Discord Will Require Age-Verification Starting March of 2026
Discord is implementing global age verification starting in March. Users will need to verify their age to access age-restricted channels, servers, and other parts of the platform.
The company announced the phased rollout on February 9. Users who don't verify their age get defaulted into a "teen-appropriate experience." Whatever that means.
"Rolling out teen-by-default settings globally builds on Discord's existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections while allowing verified adults flexibility," Savannah Badalich, Discord's head of product policy, said.
How It Works
Users can submit an ID to Discord's "vendor partners" or use what the platform calls "facial age estimation." The age estimation uses "video selfies" that Discord says "never leave a user's device." More options will become available later.
So, you're either handing over your ID or letting Discord's system scan your face to guess your age. Those are the choices.
The announcement follows similar setups Discord launched in the United Kingdom and Australia. "This global rollout builds on that approach to deliver consistent, age-appropriate protections worldwide," the company said.
This Comes After a Data Breach
Discord's pushing age verification amid increasing concerns about child protection and internet privacy on major online platforms. Fair enough. But timing matters here.
Discord revealed in October that around 70,000 users suffered a data exposure after hackers compromised a vendor the platform uses for age-related appeals. The potentially exposed data included government ID photos.
So, Discord wants people to submit IDs for age verification. Right after hackers stole 70,000 users' government ID photos through one of Discord's vendors.
Other Platforms Are Doing This Too
Discord's age estimation feature is similar to Roblox's AI-powered facial scan that became mandatory to use the game's chat feature. Roblox is facing nearly 80 active lawsuits as attorneys general investigate the platform. Some parents allege their children encountered predators through Roblox.
Privacy Advocates Aren't Happy
The Electronic Frontier Foundation opposes Discord's new policy. The digital freedom advocacy group posted on X pointing to an article saying they're "against age-gating and age verification mandates."
"Every day, many people are asked to verify their age across the web, despite prominent cases of sensitive data getting leaked in the process," the article said.
Which brings us back to Discord's October data breach. Seventy thousand users had their government ID photos potentially exposed because hackers compromised one of Discord's vendors. Now Discord wants more people to submit IDs or facial scans for age verification.
The company says facial age estimation video selfies never leave your device. IDs go to "vendor partners." The same type of vendor that got hacked in October, exposing 70,000 users' government ID photos.
The Bottom Line
Discord's implementing this globally starting in March. Users verify their age or get put in the teen version. Submit an ID to vendors or let the system scan your face. Privacy advocates say age verification mandates are bad policy that lead to data leaks. Discord just had a data leak involving government IDs five months ago. But the rollout is happening anyway.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.