Discord Delays Age Verification Rollout Amid User Backlash

Discord announced on October 3, 2023, that it will postpone the global rollout of its controversial age verification measures until the second half of 2026. The decision follows a wave of criticism from users regarding the platform’s initial plan to implement “teen-by-default” settings, which would require users to verify their age to access all features.

The announcement earlier this month indicated that users would need to confirm their adulthood starting November 2023. This move was met with significant backlash, with many users labeling the requirements a “deal breaker.” In response to the negative feedback, Discord’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the initial announcement, stating that the company anticipated the skepticism it would generate.

In a blog post, Vishnevskiy detailed the reasons for the delay, emphasizing that more than 90% of users would not need to verify their age to continue using Discord as they do currently. The platform’s internal safety systems can already determine age for many adult users without any action required from them. Discord assesses factors including account history, payment methods, server participation, and general account activity to make these determinations.

To address concerns around privacy and trust, Discord has committed to enhancing its verification methods. The company will add new options, such as credit card verification, to ensure users have choices they are comfortable with. Furthermore, it plans to provide transparency regarding its verification vendors, requiring that any partner offering facial age estimation must perform the process entirely on-device.

In addition to these changes, Discord will introduce a dedicated spoiler channel option to allow communities to engage in age-restricted discussions without needing to age-gate their entire server. This reflects the platform’s understanding that not all age-restricted content pertains to adult themes; some communities prefer to discuss topics like spoilers and politics in a controlled environment.

Discord’s delay in the global rollout will not affect compliance with age verification laws in specific countries, such as Australia, Brazil, and the UK, where the platform is required to implement age checks. The company will continue to roll out its age verification methods to meet legal requirements while it works on a more comprehensive approach for its global user base.

In the blog post, Vishnevskiy assured users that Discord does not read private messages and acknowledged that merely asking for trust is insufficient. To restore confidence, the company plans to publish a detailed technical blog explaining how its automatic age determination systems function, including the various signals and privacy constraints involved.

Additionally, Discord will track and report age assurance data in its transparency reports, detailing how many users were requested to verify their age, what methods were employed, and how frequently automated systems managed the process without user action.

The delay comes at a time when many users have already started exploring alternatives to Discord in light of the initial announcement. The platform faces the challenge of regaining user trust as it seeks to balance compliance with legal requirements and its commitment to user privacy and security. As Discord prepares for the revised rollout, the effectiveness of its new measures and the transparency it offers will be critical in shaping user perceptions going forward.