Discord’s age verification explained: Who needs to verify and why

Discord has announced plans to introduce global age verification across its platform starting next month, a move that will automatically place all users into a “teen-appropriate” experience unless they actively prove they are adults.

Under the new system, users who do not verify their age will face a range of restrictions designed to limit access to adult or sensitive content. These users will be blocked from entering age-restricted servers and channels, prevented from speaking in Discord’s livestream-style “stage” channels, and subject to stronger content filters where graphic or sensitive material is detected. Direct messages from unfamiliar users will also be automatically filtered into a separate inbox, while friend requests from unknown accounts will trigger warning prompts.

Discord says the changes are part of a broader effort to improve child safety and comply with growing international pressure for stricter age assurance on online platforms. The company confirmed that the rollout will apply globally and affect both new and existing users.

Importantly, users who were previously members of age-restricted servers will lose access to those spaces unless they complete the age verification process. Discord says these servers will be hidden behind a black screen, preventing users from viewing or interacting with content until their age is confirmed. Users will also be unable to join any new age-restricted servers without verification.

Savannah Badalich, Discord’s global head of product policy, said the goal is to ensure that adult-only content is properly gated, while most users experience little to no disruption. She noted that non-age-restricted servers and standard direct messaging will continue to function normally for unverified users.

The company’s age verification push comes amid a wider trend across the internet, with governments increasingly calling for platforms to implement stronger safeguards for minors. Discord previously tested age checks in the UK and Australia, though those early systems were briefly circumvented by users. Badalich said the loophole was quickly closed and acknowledged that users may continue attempting to bypass verification, adding that Discord will work to address vulnerabilities as they emerge.

Privacy concerns remain a major issue, particularly for adult users who may be reluctant to submit identification. These concerns were heightened after a data breach involving one of Discord’s former third-party verification vendors last year, which exposed sensitive age verification data, including images of government-issued IDs.

In response, Discord says it has ended its relationship with the affected vendor and moved to a new verification partner. For the global rollout, users will have multiple options to verify their age. One option involves facial age estimation, which uses artificial intelligence to analyze a short video selfie. Discord says this process happens entirely on the user’s device and does not involve facial recognition or biometric storage.

If the AI incorrectly categorizes a user’s age group, they can appeal the decision or choose to verify using an identity document instead. In those cases, Discord says ID images are reviewed by a third-party vendor and deleted quickly—often immediately—once age confirmation is complete.

Beyond these methods, Discord is also introducing an age inference model that assesses metadata such as user activity, gaming habits, and behavioral patterns. If the system determines with high confidence that a user is an adult, they may not be required to complete any additional verification steps.

Badalich emphasized that most users will not notice major changes, as the new system is primarily focused on restricting access to explicit or age-inappropriate content. However, she acknowledged that some users may leave the platform due to the new requirements, a risk Discord says it has already factored into its long-term planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Discord changing with age verification?
Discord is rolling out global age verification that will automatically place users into a teen-appropriate experience unless they verify they are adults.

When will Discord’s age verification begin?
The company says the rollout will begin globally next month.

What happens if I don’t verify my age on Discord?
Unverified users won’t be able to access age-restricted servers, speak in stage channels, or view sensitive content, and will face additional messaging restrictions.

Will existing servers be affected?
Yes. Even if a user was previously part of an age-restricted server, access will be blocked until age verification is completed.

How can users verify their age?
Users can verify through facial age estimation using a video selfie or by submitting an identity document to a third-party vendor.

Does Discord store ID images or biometric data?
Discord says it does not store biometric data and that ID images are deleted quickly after age confirmation.

Are there users who won’t need to verify at all?
Yes. Discord is using an age inference model that may exempt users if the system is highly confident they are adults.

Why is Discord introducing this now?
The move is driven by increasing legal pressure worldwide for stronger child safety and age assurance on online platforms.

Could users leave Discord because of this?
Discord acknowledges some user loss is possible but says it has accounted for that risk in its planning.