In a significant move aimed at enhancing user safety, Discord has announced that it will introduce mandatory age verification for its users starting in early March. This development comes as the platform, which boasts approximately 200 million global users, seeks to create a safer environment, particularly for younger audiences. Users will be treated as teenagers by default unless they can substantiate their age through a selfie or ID verification.
A New Era of User Verification
In a blog post released on Monday, Discord outlined its strategy to tackle the growing concerns regarding underage access to adult content. The San Francisco-based company intends to automatically provide all users with a “teen-appropriate” experience unless they can prove they are over the age of consent. This decision aligns with a wider trend of tightening age restrictions on social media platforms across the globe.
To verify age, users will have two options: they can submit a selfie for AI analysis or provide a government-issued ID. Notably, Discord assures that the selfies taken will remain on the user’s device, enhancing privacy and security. Moreover, the platform plans to use ongoing activity monitoring to gauge users’ ages, aiming to exempt verified adults from repetitive checks if their online behaviour aligns with adult norms.
Aligning with Global Trends
This shift in policy comes on the heels of similar initiatives by other platforms, such as Roblox, as governments worldwide attempt to regulate children’s internet usage more strictly. Countries like Australia have taken drastic measures, banning all users under 16 from social media, while Spain is poised to follow suit. In the UK, legislation now mandates that any app hosting adult content must verify users’ ages, and this requirement is gaining traction in nearly a third of U.S. states.
Discord’s head of product policy, Savannah Badalich, highlighted the importance of these updates, stating, “Nowhere is our safety work more important than when it comes to teen users.” This initiative also coincides with Safer Internet Day, underscoring the platform’s commitment to fostering a secure online community.
Enhanced Safety Features for All Users
Under the new regulations, unverified users will face restrictions, barring them from accessing adult servers and channels. They will also be unable to view any images or videos flagged by Discord’s content-scanning AI as graphic or sensitive. Additionally, any messages from strangers will be automatically sorted into a separate inbox, and unknown friend requests will carry a warning, thereby bolstering user safety.
Discord has also pledged to keep the age verification process secure. The identity documents submitted will be swiftly deleted after verification, and users will have the right to contest any decisions they believe to be inaccurate. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the risks associated with data breaches that have plagued similar systems in the past.
Establishing a Teen Advisory Body
In a bid to ensure that its policies are effectively addressing the needs of younger users, Discord is launching its first “Teen Council.” This advisory group aims to incorporate authentic teen perspectives into the platform’s ongoing development. By doing so, Discord hopes to create safety features that not only protect young users but also respect their privacy and autonomy.
Why it Matters
As online interactions become increasingly integral to daily life, the importance of safeguarding younger users cannot be overstated. Discord’s initiative to implement age verification reflects a broader societal commitment to responsible digital engagement. By prioritising user safety and addressing age-related vulnerabilities, Discord is setting a vital precedent in the tech industry, encouraging other platforms to follow suit in creating a safer online environment for everyone.
