Discord is currently conducting a trial that requires some users to verify their age before accessing certain sensitive content. This verification involves scanning their face or ID. Described as an “experiment,” this new process is being tested in the UK and Australia to comply with local regulations designed to protect minors online.
The face and ID scans are only needed for those who haven’t previously confirmed their age on Discord. The platform states that this is a “one-time process,” initiated either when users encounter flagged explicit content or attempt to adjust settings to view such content unfiltered.
During the process, users will be presented with an age verification prompt. They can either permit Discord to use their device’s camera for a facial scan or submit an ID photo by scanning a QR code with their phone.
This experimentation likely aims to align with laws in the UK and Australia, such as the UK’s Online Safety Act, which enforces strict age verification on platforms with potential pornographic material. Meanwhile, Australia seeks to prevent those under 16 from using social media at all. Discord has not disclosed whether this age verification might expand to other regions.
Some concerns arise over the reliability of face scanning, as mistakes could wrongfully ban users appearing to be underage. Discord assures that users who face verification errors can retry or request a manual review. Appeals are possible for users falsely banned.
It’s important to note that Discord claims it doesn’t store any information collected during this verification trial. For face scans, the technology works on-device, avoiding biometric data collection. Similarly, ID scans are deleted post-verification.
