Discord to Mandate Age Verification via Face Scan or ID Next Month

Discord to Collect Biometric Data for Age Verification

The instant messaging and social platform Discord, which has millions of users worldwide, has announced a significant security update. With its new age verification system, the platform will request a facial scan or official identification document from users who wish to gain full access to certain communities or features. This move aims particularly to protect users under 18 and strengthen age-appropriate content filtering mechanisms.

Pilot Program Starting in the UK and Australia

Discord's new verification system will initially be offered to users in the United Kingdom and Australia. The platform has officially announced it has begun testing facial scan technology to verify users' ages. During this process, users may have to prove their age by taking a selfie or uploading an official ID document (such as a driver's license or passport). It is stated that biometric data or identification documents will not be stored after the verification process is complete and will be used solely for verification purposes.

Security Enhancement Effort or Privacy Concern?

Discord officials emphasize that this implementation is part of an effort to make the platform safer, especially for younger users. The platform plans to make age verification mandatory for accessing age-restricted communities (NSFW - Not Safe For Work), participating in certain events, or using some premium features. However, this decision also raises significant questions regarding user privacy.

Privacy advocates highlight the potential risks of collecting biometric data. The possibility of facial scan data being exposed to cyber attacks or shared with third parties is causing concern among users. Discord commits to addressing these concerns by ensuring the verification process takes place in a secure and encrypted environment and that data will be deleted after verification.

Current Verification Issues and the New System

Discord users already encounter steps like email or phone number verification when registering for the platform. Users in some regions, in particular, may face issues such as not receiving phone verification codes or verification emails landing in spam folders. The new age verification system will be introduced as an additional layer on top of these existing verification mechanisms.

The platform aims to make the verification process as simple and fast as possible to improve user experience. When users wish to perform an action that requires age verification, the system will offer them the options of a facial scan or uploading an ID. Depending on the chosen method, the verification process can be completed within a few minutes.

User Reactions and Next Steps

Discord's decision has caused mixed reactions among users. While some users welcome the enhancement of the platform's security, others, especially those sensitive about privacy, are approaching this implementation with caution. The platform is expected to be more transparent about how it will process and protect user data.

Based on the results of the pilot program, Discord plans to expand this system to other countries. The system's success will depend on user acceptance rates and whether the age verification process runs smoothly. The platform also aims to develop less intrusive verification methods by testing AI-powered age estimation technologies.

Discord's Growth Strategy and Security Balance

In recent years, Discord has become a meeting point not only for gamers but also for communities with various interests. This growth has required the platform to adopt stricter policies on content moderation and user safety. The age verification system is also part of the platform's strategy to balance its expanding user base with the need for a secure environment.