Discord, which is one of the most popular online chat platforms, is rolling out a global age verification system starting in early March 2026. Under this new policy, every user of Discord will be placed into a "teen-appropriate experience" by default unless the age verification of the user is completed. Adults who want full access will need to prove their age using a face scan or a government-issued ID before they can see age-restricted servers, unblurred sensitive content, or access certain communication features.
This update is a part of Discord's safety push for teens and minors, but it has triggered a major privacy backlash online, especially after a past data breach exposed hundreds of thousands of ID-related images. Discord is offering multiple ways for users to show that they are adults and unlock full features.
For many users, Discord may not require a selfie or ID. Instead, it uses an AI "age inference" tool that analyzes behavior metadata like types of games played, activity patterns, usage times, and other signals to estimate the age and determine if the users are likely adults. If the initial method doesn't give Discord high confidence, users may need to complete multiple verification steps.
Users may be asked to record a short video selfie. Discord uses AI age estimation to determine the user's age from that selfie. The company says this footage is processed on the user's own device and doesn't leave it. Users can also upload a government ID (like their driver's license or passport) to prove their age. Discord states that these documents are deleted quickly (usually right after verification).
If the user chooses not to verify, then Discord keeps that user in a restricted "teen" mode where the sensitive content stays blurred, age-restricted servers and channels are blocked, certain private message settings can't even be changed and user may see more warnings for just friend requests.
The backlash is for two reasons: one for recent Age Verification rules and other for Discord's past data breach in which a third-party service provider (one used for customer support and age appeals) was hacked and approximately 70,000 government ID images submitted for age verification were exposed, and some reports suggest far more than that were captured.
Exposed data reportedly included ID photos, some usernames, email addresses, IP addresses, and support ticket contents. This raised concerns that sensitive personal data could be stolen again. Even though Discord claims the IDs are deleted quickly, facial scans stay on the device and they have stopped using the vendor involved in the breach; many Discord users still feel uneasy about submitting biometric data or government ID photos to a company that recently had a major security incident.
Speaking of exact reasons, Discord is applying such rules to limit minors' exposure to graphic, sensitive, or adult content. This includes blocking access to NSFW chats, certain servers, and as well as unfiltered messages. Many countries are pushing tech companies to prove that they are doing enough to protect children online.
AI age estimation and biometric scanning are becoming more common across digital platforms and are seen as modern methods for online age assurance. Discord also announced a Teen Council of users aged 13–17 who will advise on future safety features, showing a broader commitment to youth safety.
Age checks are now a growing trend in social platforms and apps worldwide as regulators demand better safeguards for the young users in online. Even if video selfies are processed locally and IDs deleted after use, many privacy advocates worry that any collection of this sensitive personal data, especially from teens — increases the long-term risks.
Anyways what are your thoughts on recent Discord's new age verification policy, especially during the time when it suffered a backlash for data breach and so does now. Do you agree and find helpful with this policy? Let us know all your answers in the comments, where you can also provide the latest news so I can make a breakdown of it.
Also check how excatly data breach took place in Discord in my article: Discord's Massive Data Breach!