Discord is set to introduce global age verification next month, with changes beginning in early March, ensuring all users have a teen-appropriate experience by default unless they verify their age as adults.
Starting next month, both new and existing users will be required to complete verification to access age-restricted content and modify certain settings. Verified adults will have the ability to unblur sensitive content, turn off that setting, access restricted channels, servers, and app commands. They will also be able to adjust the default routing of messages from unknown users to a separate inbox, accept friend requests without warnings from potentially unknown users, and speak onstage in servers.
Users will be able to verify their age through facial age estimation using video selfies or by submitting identification to Discord’s vendor partners. The video selfies will be processed on the device and will never leave it, ensuring a level of privacy. Submitted IDs will be deleted quickly from vendors, often immediately after confirmation. Discord has plans to add more verification options in the future, as some users may need to use multiple methods if additional data is required for age group assignment.
This move comes after Discord reported a breach at a third-party vendor for age-related appeals last October, which possibly exposed sensitive data, including government ID photos, for around 70,000 users. The incident highlighted concerns from digital rights activists about age checks for online safety.
Discord had previously introduced age checks last year for users in the U.K. and Australia, and the global rollout expands these measures to all users. According to Savannah Badalich, head of product policy at Discord, “Rolling out teen‑by‑default settings globally builds on Discord’s existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections while allowing verified adults flexibility.” She further emphasized that Discord designs its products with teen safety principles at the core and will continue working with safety experts, policymakers, and Discord users to support meaningful, long‑term wellbeing for teens on the platform.
