Discord distances itself from Persona age verification after user backlash

Source: The Verge

Background

Discord announced plans to implement age verification globally starting next month. The rollout would involve the use of face scans and ID uploads, and the company partnered with the age‑verification provider Persona to handle the process.

User backlash

After the announcement, users across social media accused Discord of “lying” about how it would handle facial scans and ID uploads. Critics pointed to concerns over privacy, data security, and the accuracy of the verification system. The partnership with Persona became a focal point of the controversy, with many users demanding more transparency and alternative verification methods.

Discord’s response

In an emailed statement to The Verge, Discord’s head of product policy, Savannah Badalich, said the company “ran a limited test of Persona in the UK where age assurance had previously launched and that test has since concluded.” The statement indicates that Discord is distancing itself from Persona following the sustained user backlash.

Read the full story at The Verge.