Discord is now scanning faces for age verification experiments

Discord users are now being asked to scan their faces adn ID when they attempt to view sensitive content. This is now an experiment, and very soon it could be implemented across the platform. Users have their perceptions regarding the new development. 

The instant messaging app says these features are an experiment, and they only apply to users in the United Kingdom and Australia. These two countries recently passed a law regarding age verification on platforms that might expose children to harmful content.

Users may be asked to verify their age when they try to see sensitive content or media on Discord. If they try to modify their sensitive filter settings, age verifications will be mandatory. Users will be presented with two methods of age verification.

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Age verification by scans- Discord

Using the device camera, they will scan the user's face. Another method is to scan the QR code with their phone. This will lead to a page where the users should scan their government ID to prove their age group. After completing the process, the user will receive a notification about their age verification status, and it will be sent via the Discord profile.

It will just take a few minutes, and the verification process will be done only once. If the user feels their age is incorrectly verified, then they can retry the process or submit a new appeal. The UK and Australia adopted a strict policy on protecting children from harmful content, especially on digital platforms. The UK Online Safety Act was enacted in 2023 to monitor websites that might host explicit content. 

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The Australian parliament banned children under 16 from using social media, which will take effect from December 2025. Some organisations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation call the Online Safety Act an oppression and a threat to privacy. Discord assures they won't maintain the records of age verification scans.

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