Discord Resumes Age Verification Rollout with Less Invasive Options
- Discord reintroduces its age verification system with updated, less invasive methods.
- Users in the teen age group will receive additional safety protections limiting access to certain content.
- Co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy emphasizes a privacy-preserving approach, with over 90% of users not needing to confirm their age.
Discord has revived its contentious age verification system, previously delayed in February due to substantial user backlash. This updated version, according to co-founder and chief technology officer Stanislav Vishnevskiy, aims to provide users with options that are less intrusive.
Initially, Discord’s age verification strategy intended to automatically assign all users a “teen-appropriate experience,” characterized by blurring potentially sensitive content and limiting access to age-restricted channels. To remove these restrictions, users would have been required to verify their age by submitting a photo of their government-issued ID or providing a facial video to third-party vendors. This requirement faced considerable criticism from users concerned about sharing sensitive personal information.
“Age assurance draws strong opinions and scepticism, especially when it involves sharing biometric information or a form of ID,” Vishnevskiy noted in a recent blog post. He added that age assurance laws are becoming more prevalent, and as a response, Discord has implemented age verification in various new regions, including Brazil and Texas. “We’re hearing from policymakers in countless states and countries who want stronger teen protections,” he stated.
The new system will roll out over the week and will estimate a user’s age based on account duration and server participation. “We don’t look at your messages, calls, or other content,” Vishnevskiy assured users.
For accounts classified as 18 or older, there will be no changes to their experience. However, users identified as teenagers (ages 13-17) will receive enhanced safety measures to restrict access to specific content and settings. Additionally, adults who have not been categorized as such will have alternative, non-biometric options for age verification.
“We’ve vetted every method, and the data you provide to us and our vendors is only ever used to determine your age group, so you can pick whichever option you’re most comfortable with,” Vishnevskiy affirmed. Users can now verify their age by inputting credit card information or by allowing the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to share age ratings with Discord. A complete list of options is available in Vishnevskiy’s statement.
Vishnevskiy also addressed the controversy surrounding age assurance technologies, emphasizing the urgency of implementing privacy-focused solutions. “This is bigger than us,” he remarked. “We’ve chosen to launch our stronger protections for teens everywhere using the most privacy-preserving approach we could build, including where it isn’t yet required by law, because we believe it’s the right thing to do.” He urged users to voice their opinions on the legislation affecting online safety and privacy as future regulations will significantly impact the landscape for teen safety online.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
