Discord's new age ID rules are driving users away - here's where they're headed
Source: ZDNet
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### ZDNET’s key takeaways
- In March, Discord will set an age lock for all users to a “teen‑appropriate experience.”
- Many users will be required to complete an age‑verification check.
- Verification can be done by uploading a video selfie **or** an official government ID.
On Monday, Discord announced a new age‑verification protocol that will roll out to all users in March. By default, the app will age‑lock every account to a “teen‑appropriate experience,” requiring proof of age to access the full experience.
**What happens to unverified accounts?**
- They are blocked from servers or channels with age restrictions.
- They cannot speak in livestream “Stage” channels.
- They cannot respond to direct messages from certain users.
- Some settings become unchangeable, and age‑restricted content is blurred throughout the app.
> **Also:** [70,000 government IDs were exposed in a Discord breach – could yours be next?](https://www.zdnet.com/article/70000-government-ids-were-exposed-in-a-discord-breach-could-yours-be-next/)
### How to prove your age to Discord
You have a few options:
1. **Video selfie** – Record a short video of yourself holding a piece of paper with your name and the current date.
2. **Government‑issued ID** – Upload a clear image of a passport, driver’s license, or other official ID.
If you’re hesitant about sharing a selfie or ID, know that Discord states the data is stored securely and used solely for age verification. However, always review the platform’s privacy policy and consider the risks before uploading personal documents.Why the backlash?
Just last year, the app announced that around 70,000 ID photos were leaked in a cyberattack involving its previous age‑verification vendor.
While Discord itself wasn’t a victim of the attack, the vendor lost personal information, DM history, and partial credit‑card details in the breach, prompting Discord to cease business with the firm.
Discord’s Response
Discord says its new third‑party vendor handling age verification is much more secure. Key points:
- Video selfies are processed entirely on‑device; nothing is uploaded to the internet.
- Government IDs are “deleted quickly” – in most cases, immediately after age confirmation.
“The vast majority of people will never see age verification.” – u/discord_zorkian (Discord staff)
Why the “deleted quickly” claim raises concerns
-
“Deleted quickly” offers little reassurance to anyone familiar with how data can persist online.
-
Data breaches continue to affect even the biggest tech platforms:
-
Users are increasingly frustrated and are looking for alternative platforms:
Additional note
- Storage tip: Disabling the Pixel app can free up to 10 GB of space. See the guide here:
*How to disable Pixel’s AI Core for free storage*
Age‑inference model
Discord claims the model runs in the background and determines a user’s age based on:
- Servers they belong to
- Their behavior patterns
- Account age
According to a reply on the official Discord Reddit, after the rollout of age‑assurance checks in the UK and Australia (2025), the system can pre‑identify most adults automatically.
- Source: official Discord Reddit thread
Overall, while Discord emphasizes on‑device processing and rapid deletion of IDs, the broader context of recurring data breaches and user distrust suggests many will remain skeptical of the new verification system.
Alternatives to Consider
If the app cannot auto‑verify you and you choose not to complete the verification process, you may still be able to use Discord—provided you don’t belong to age‑restricted channels or servers.
Possible Replacements
While there isn’t a direct replacement for Discord at the moment, many users recommend the following alternatives:
- Matrix – A decentralized, open‑source communication platform.
- Stoat Chat – Another decentralized chat service with a Discord‑like feel.
- Slack – A well‑known team collaboration tool that offers similar channel‑based messaging.
Age‑Verification Timeline
- Global rollout: Early March 2026 (exact date not yet announced).
- In‑app notifications: Expected in the coming weeks as the rollout approaches.