Discord Testing Age Verification Using Face and ID Scans
Discord, the popular platform widely used by gamers and general communities, is stepping up its efforts to better protect underage users from potentially inappropriate content. As part of this push, the company has begun experimentally testing a new age verification system that utilizes face scanning and document identification technologies. This pilot project is currently live for users in the UK and Australia.
The need for stricter controls on accessing 18+ content has long been apparent, especially given past criticism regarding the platform's effectiveness in safeguarding children and teenagers. Discord states that this new feature is intended to be an effective age control tool, restricting access to specific sections and features for users who haven't reached the required age.
Company representatives emphasize that maintaining user data privacy is a top priority during the development and implementation of this system, particularly since the primary group facing verification will be younger users attempting to access age-restricted content.
The verification process might be triggered when a user tries to view content flagged as "sensitive" by Discord's internal filters or when attempting to change these filter settings. Users are offered two main methods to confirm their age:
Face Scanning: The system analyzes the user's face directly on their device. Discord assures that biometric data is not stored or transmitted over the network; it's used solely for a one-time age estimation.
Document Scanning: Users can upload a photo of an official identification document (like a passport or driver's license) via a QR code. The scan of the document is deleted immediately after successful verification.
This new verification method comes as Discord addresses past criticisms regarding weak moderation, as users frequently reported insufficient administrative oversight and the common appearance of illegal content in groups. Discord isn't the only platform tackling moderation challenges; other popular messaging apps and communication platforms also employ algorithms to filter out harmful messages, links, and media files. For instance, in Gem Space, in addition to manual moderation, there's an automatically updated list of stop-words. The app blocks spam and fraudulent links and also blurs all photos and videos sent by strangers – this content can only be viewed if the user explicitly confirms they wish to see it.
Discord underscores the importance of privacy, stating that data is used only for the single verification process and is not stored. The testing phase will continue for some time in the selected regions.