Discord is verifying some users’ age with ID and facial scans

The Verge - Apr 17th, 2025

Discord is testing a new age verification process requiring users to scan their face or ID in the UK and Australia. This trial aims to comply with local laws demanding robust age-checking measures to protect children from accessing sensitive content. The verification is triggered when users encounter explicit content or try to alter content filter settings, requiring either a face scan via device camera or ID submission through QR code scanning. Users incorrectly verified can appeal or request a manual review, and Discord assures that no biometric data is stored.

The initiative aligns with the UK's Online Safety Act and Australia's regulations to restrict minors' access to social media. While Discord emphasizes trust in the face scanning tool's accuracy, there is a risk of misidentifying users, potentially leading to unwarranted bans. The system is designed to delete ID scans post-verification, ensuring users' privacy. This move highlights Discord's efforts to adapt to evolving digital safety laws, though its broader implementation remains uncertain.

Discord Age Verification Uk Online Safety Act Australia Social Media Laws Face Scanning Id Verification Child Protection

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Discord's new age verification process, highlighting its implementation in response to legal requirements in the UK and Australia. It effectively communicates the key points and aligns with current debates on online safety and privacy. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced perspective by including views from privacy advocates and users. Additionally, exploring the technical aspects of facial recognition technology and its implications for user privacy would enhance the article's depth and credibility. Overall, the article is informative and relevant, but there is room for improvement in source diversity and transparency.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports Discord's new age verification process, which requires users to scan their face or ID to access sensitive content. This is corroborated by multiple sources confirming the implementation in the UK and Australia as a response to local legislation. The claim that this is a one-time process for users who have not previously verified their age is consistent with the information provided by Discord. However, the story could further verify the effectiveness and reliability of the face scanning tool, as its accuracy in determining age is crucial. Additionally, while Discord asserts that no biometric data is stored, this claim should be verified with additional technical documentation or third-party audits.

Balance

The article presents the issue primarily from Discord's perspective, focusing on the company's compliance with legal requirements and privacy assurances. It lacks a broader range of viewpoints, such as those from privacy advocates or users who might be concerned about data security and the implications of facial recognition technology. Including perspectives from these groups could provide a more balanced view of the potential risks and benefits of the age verification process.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the key points about Discord's new age verification process. The logical flow of information helps readers understand the reasons for the change and how it will be implemented. However, the inclusion of technical terms related to facial recognition and data privacy could be better explained for readers unfamiliar with these concepts.

Source quality

The article references Discord as the primary source of information, which is appropriate given the topic. However, it would benefit from additional sources such as legal experts or privacy advocates to provide context on the legal requirements in the UK and Australia and the implications of using facial recognition technology. This would enhance the credibility and reliability of the reporting by offering a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The story provides a clear explanation of the age verification process and the reasons behind its implementation. However, it lacks detailed information about the methodology used to ensure the accuracy of the facial recognition technology and the specific legal requirements driving these changes. Greater transparency in these areas would help readers understand the basis for the claims and the potential impact on user privacy.