Discord Rolls Out Automatic Age Estimation System Globally

Discord is rolling out a global age assurance system seven months after pausing its previous verification measures. Starting today in every country except Australia and the UK, the platform will automatically assign users to an estimated age group based on account signals, with safety restrictions applied to users believed to be between 13 and 17.

The rollout marks a shift away from Discord's earlier approach, which required adults to verify themselves through video selfies or government ID documentation. That system faced significant backlash after a data breach at a third-party Discord vendor exposed user information and scanned photo IDs, prompting the platform to pause the initiative in February.

According to Discord cofounder Stanislav Vishnevskiy, the new age estimation model examines account age and history, activity levels across channels and servers, and connected communities, servers, and games. The system does not analyze user messages, calls, or other content. Vishnevskiy stated the age estimation accuracy is comparable to what is possible with biometrics.

Discord anticipates that under this system, 90 percent of its users will not be asked to confirm their age. Users estimated to be over 18 will be placed in the Adult age group with no account changes. Users in the Teen age group will have safety protections enabled by default, including filters and blurring for sensitive content, and restricted access to +18 servers and certain messaging features.

The update includes expanded verification options for users who want to confirm or correct their age group. Beyond face and ID scans, users can verify their age via credit cards, Apple's App Store, Google Play Store, Google Wallet, and the AgeKey credential system. If Discord cannot automatically estimate a user's age, certain settings and features remain unavailable until the user provides additional information in Account Settings.

Vishnevskiy said the platform believes age requirements should not require ID checks or selfies for everyone. "My hope is that our approach shows we can preserve what makes Discord special while taking seriously the responsibility that comes with it," he stated.