Discord age verification: How it works, when it happens

Source: Mashable Tech

Age verification is spreading on the internet. Following Roblox’s implementation of the age verification process, Discord is the next platform in line to do it.

So, what is Discord’s age verification process and what happens if users don’t go through with it? We’ll break it down.

How to verify your age on Discord

Discord, the online chat platform that’s extremely popular with gamers, has announced that it will be rolling out a mandatory age verification process for all of its users starting in March.

Discord age verification prompt – Credit: Discord

When the system goes live worldwide, users will see a prompt asking them to verify their age. To begin, click the Get Started button on the pop‑up.

Verification steps

1. Upload a selfie or a photo of a government ID – In some cases, if the system cannot estimate age from the selfie alone, both a selfie and an ID will be required.
   
   Discord age verification upload – Credit: Discord
2. Discord deletes the uploaded selfie and ID photos after the verification process is complete.
3. After submission, you will receive a DM indicating whether you have been placed in the teen or adult age group.

What happens if you don’t verify your age on Discord?

All user accounts will be teen‑by‑default. Teenagers will automatically be placed in the teen age group and will not need to verify their age. Adults, however, must verify their age to be placed in the adult group; otherwise, they remain in the teen group.

Consequences for teen‑group accounts

• Content restrictions – Sensitive content is blurred. To unblur it, you must verify your age and be moved to the adult group.
• Access limitations – Cannot join age‑restricted channels, servers, or use certain app commands.
• Messaging – A separate inbox is used for messages from users you don’t already know, and you’ll receive warning prompts for unknown friend requests.
• Server participation – Unable to speak on stage in Discord servers.

Under‑age users

If the verification process determines a user is younger than the minimum age required in their country (13 in the U.S.), the account will be banned from Discord entirely.

Incorrect age classification

If you are mistakenly marked as underage, you can follow Discord’s appeal process.

Discord has already rolled out the age verification process in the UK and Australia to comply with local laws and plans to expand globally in early March.