Discord Distances Itself From Persona Age Verification After User Backlash
Source: Slashdot
Background
Discord announced plans to implement age verification globally starting next month. The rollout would require users to submit a face scan or government‑issued ID for full access to the platform.
Discord’s Statement
In an emailed statement to The Verge, Discord’s head of product policy, Savannah Badalich, confirmed that 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 emphasizes that Discord is distancing itself from the age‑verification provider Persona after the test period ended.
User Backlash
Following the announcement, users across social media accused Discord of “lying” about how it would handle face scans and ID uploads. Much of the criticism focused on Discord’s partnership with Persona, an age‑verification service also used by Reddit and Roblox.