Discord To Use Automated Age Verification Instead of ID Scans

Discord has introduced age verification, which will restrict users under 18 from accessing certain features on the platform. The company will automatically place users into an “age group” based on various identifiers, including account age and server membership.

This process does not require users to upload IDs or other means of authentication. Discord will consider several factors to determine a user’s age group, but it does not look at messages, calls, or content.

Users will be placed into one of three categories: Adult Age Group, Teen Age Group, or Unconfirmed. The Adult Age Group has no restrictions, while the Teen Age Group has limitations, such as restricted access to adult content and settings.

How Age Verification Works

Discord’s age verification process is automated, and more than 90% of users will not be asked to confirm their age. However, users who are incorrectly categorized can verify their age using various methods, including credit cards, app stores, Google Wallet, or an independent age verification tool called AgeKey.

Discord also allows users to verify their age by scanning their ID or using a “facial age estimation” tool, which uploads a video selfie for AI analysis. The company claims that it only receives the user’s age from these data points and that other information is immediately deleted or never leaves the user’s device.

The Teen Age Group will face restrictions, such as messages from non-friends being sent to the message requests inbox by default, and alerts before accepting friend requests from users with no mutual friends. These accounts will also be unable to access age-restricted servers or channels and cannot run commands with age-restricted bots.

Other companies that have implemented age verification have faced issues, such as Roblox’s system being easily bypassed and IDscan.net losing over 150 million driver’s licenses in a breach. Discord relies on Veratad for its ID scan services, but a previous partner, 5CA, was breached last year, exposing ID images.

Privacy and Security Risks

Discord relies on third-party services for ID verification. The company uses Veratad for ID scans. A previous partner, 5CA, suffered a breach last year. This incident exposed ID images. Discord says it deletes ID data after verification. Trust is required to use these services. A weak link in the chain risks exposing records. This process aims to access age-restricted features. However, it creates a new target for hackers.

The Future of Online Safety

Age verification is becoming a standard requirement. More states are passing laws for adult content. Some countries are banning social media for minors. These regulations limit access for young people. The unrestricted internet is changing. New rules are being implemented globally. The goal is to protect younger users. However, this often involves compromising privacy and security. The balance between safety and personal data is difficult to maintain.