Discord Rolls Out Global Age Checks for Users
Discord has started a global rollout of age checks that place users into one of three groups: adult, teen (13 to 17), or unconfirmed. The company aims to automatically sort over 90% of users without requiring an ID or selfie.
Key Points:
- Rollout Timeline: Began on September 22 and will continue over several days.
- Methodology: Uses a model analyzing account signals like age, server joins, and activity.
- User Experience: Teens have restricted messaging and blurred sensitive images; adults see no changes.
- Additional Verification: Offers credit card checks, App Store/Google Play sharing, Google Wallet ID, video selfies, ID scans, or AgeKey.
- Data Privacy: Partners only receive age groups and delete received data. Manual reviews of IDs are discontinued.
- Regional Exclusions: Not implemented in the UK and Australia due to existing local systems.
Background:
- Original Announcement: Planned for March but delayed to add more age verification methods.
- Motivation: Compliance with new requirements in Texas and Brazil, with global expansion following.
By: Darius Popa, Technology Enthusiast and Intern at The Next Web
(Source: Discord rolls out global age checks that sort most users automatically )