Discord is testing a new age verification system in the UK and Australia in response to regulatory pressure.
UPDATE: A Discord spokesperson has provided a statement clarifying its handling of user data regarding the age verification system: “We’re currently running tests in select regions to age-gate access to certain spaces or user settings. The information shared to power the age verification method is only used for the one-time age verification process and is not stored by Discord or our vendor. For Face Scan, the solution our vendor uses operates on-device, which means there is no collection of any biometric information when you scan your face. For ID verification, the scan of your ID is deleted upon verification.”
Discord has quietly begun testing a new age verification system that asks users to scan their face or submit a valid form of photo ID to access sensitive content. The feature is currently being trialed in specific regions and could become a broader requirement for Discord users, should evolving online safety laws demand it.
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This experimental verification check comes in direct response to increasing regulatory pressure, particularly in the UK and Australia, to better protect minors on the internet. Historically, online platforms like Discord relied on users self-reporting their age by entering a date of birth. However, lawmakers have argued that this method is too easy to bypass and fails to provide any meaningful protection for children, leaving them at just as much risk of encountering explicit or inappropriate material online.
The new Discord age verification process is currently active only in the UK and Australia. Users in these regions may be prompted to verify their age when attempting to view content flagged by Discord’s sensitive media filter or when trying to adjust content visibility settings. Upon triggering, the system offers two methods of verification: a facial scan using a webcam or mobile camera, or an ID scan via a QR code link that allows users to upload a photo of an official identification document, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Discord Users in Some Regions May Be Asked to Scan Their Faces and Submit Government IDs
Once submitted, the system automatically processes the verification, typically completing the task within a few minutes. The user will then receive a message from Discord that includes confirmation of their verified age group. Discord notes that this is intended as a one-time process, but users who are misclassified, such as adults who may be mistakenly flagged as underage, can either retry the automatic process or request a manual review. If the verification determines that a user is under the legal age to use Discord in their country, the account could be temporarily banned until the user appeals through Discord’s underage appeals process.
Expectedly, many Discord users are expressing displeasure with the feature, since it entails mandatorily handing over their facial data and/or government documents to the platform. In the face of growing government scrutiny against the online presence of minors, though, it appears Discord doesn’t have much leeway. Just a few months ago, Australia passed legislation banning children under 16 from using social media platforms, while UK regulators are requiring all sites with potential adult content to adopt “robust” age checks by July 2025.
