Discord is changing how it handles age verification, a move that directly impacts the privacy and safety settings for millions of users. The platform is removing the mandatory selfie and government ID requirements that caused significant backlash last year. This update aims to balance age-gating with user privacy by relying on less intrusive data points.
New system uses Stripe payments and app store data to replace biometric requirements
The new system categorizes users into three groups: Adult for those 18 and older, Teen for ages 13 to 17, and Unconfirmed for those whose age cannot be determined. Discord estimates these groups using account creation dates and server participation history. Users who remain in the Unconfirmed group cannot access age-restricted content until they provide verification.
For users who choose to verify their age, Discord offers several methods that do not require uploading photos of faces or official documents. These options include credit card validation through Stripe and k-ID, age ranges from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, Google Wallet ID pass, and AgeKey. The company emphasizes that neither k-ID nor Discord ever sees the actual card details during this process.
Teen users in the 13 to 17 age group face stricter privacy controls under the new policy. Messages from non-friends are routed to a requests inbox rather than appearing directly in the chat. Sensitive images identified by content filters are blurred or blocked, and full profile details and activity are visible only to friends or members of small servers.
Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, stated in a blog post that the company is bringing back the age verification system with major alterations. The changes address previous concerns about mandatory biometric data while maintaining age-appropriate safety measures. This policy update applies to the Discord platform globally as of the September 22, 2024 announcement.
Source: NotebookCheck
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