TL;DR
- Discord will require age verification for all users starting in March, limiting unverified accounts to a teen-appropriate experience.
- Users can verify through facial age estimation or by submitting identification to approved vendor partners.
- Accounts that do not complete verification will face restrictions on sensitive content, age-gated servers, and certain social features.
Discord is preparing for one of its biggest platform changes yet. Beginning in March, the popular chat and community app will roll out mandatory age verification for both new and existing users worldwide. Accounts that fail to confirm their age will be restricted to what the company describes as a teen-appropriate experience.
The move positions Discord alongside other major platforms tightening online safety standards. It follows Roblox’s recent decision to require age checks for users who want to access chat features, signaling a broader industry shift toward stricter age assurance systems.
How Discord’s Age Verification Works
According to the company, users will be able to verify their age in two ways. The first option involves facial age estimation using a short video selfie. Discord states that this process happens directly on the user’s device and that the footage does not leave the device during verification.
The second option allows users to submit identification documents through external vendor partners. Discord says that "identity documents submitted to our vendor partners are deleted quickly— in most cases, immediately after age confirmation".
The company has already introduced similar measures in the United Kingdom and Australia in response to recent online safety legislation. Those early rollouts were not without controversy. Some users reportedly attempted to bypass verification tools using creative workarounds, including manipulating in-game photo modes from titles like Death Stranding. Additionally, one third-party vendor previously suffered a data breach that exposed personal information from tens of thousands of users, raising concerns about privacy and data security.
Despite these challenges, Discord says it is refining its systems. Savannah Badalich, Discord’s global head of product policy, acknowledged that some users may attempt to circumvent the process. She told The Verge the company expects users will find ways to try getting around the age checks, but it will “try to bug bash as much as we possibly can.”
What Happens If You Do Not Verify Your Age
Users who choose not to complete age verification will still be able to use Discord, but with significant limitations.
Content Filters
Sensitive media will remain blurred unless a user is verified as an adult. Only age-assured adults will have the ability to disable these filters.
Age-Gated Spaces
Access to age-restricted channels, servers, and certain app commands will be limited exclusively to verified adults.
Message Request Inbox Controls
By default, direct messages from people a user does not know are filtered into a separate inbox. Only verified adults will be able to modify these settings.
Friend Request Alerts
Users will receive warning prompts when receiving friend requests from unfamiliar accounts.
Stage Speaking Permissions
Only age-assured adults will be allowed to speak on stage in community servers.
A Growing Focus on Digital Safety
With more than 150 million monthly active users globally, Discord has become a central hub for gaming communities, creators, students, and online interest groups. As regulators increase scrutiny on how platforms protect minors, age verification is becoming a key compliance tool.
'More:Discord Might Have an IPO
Read
Source Editing
Visual Editing
Related news
