Discord is implementing stricter age verification through a face scan and government IDs to unlock full access to the app’s features. This is primarily meant to differentiate between adult and teenager accounts for safety reasons.
Teen safety features will begin rolling out globally in early March, placing both new and existing users into a teen-appropriate experience by default unless they verify they are adults. The update introduces stricter content controls, limited access to age-gated spaces, and new communication rules designed to reduce unwanted contact while maintaining user privacy.
Age Verification Methods
Discord will require age verification to unlock adult features. Users can verify their age using facial age estimation through a video selfie processed entirely on their device or by submitting a government ID to Discord’s verification partners.
Identity documents are deleted quickly, usually immediately after age confirmation. The company is also deploying an age inference model that runs in the background to help determine whether an account belongs to an adult without always requiring manual verification. Some users may be asked to complete additional verification steps if needed.
Once verified, users receive confirmation through Discord’s official account. Age status remains private and cannot be viewed by other users. Users can also view or appeal their assigned age group through account settings.
Teen Accounts by Default
Accounts set to teen by default will have sensitive images and videos blurred unless the user verifies as an adult. Only verified adult users will be able to access age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands, speak on stage in servers, or change message request settings.
Direct messages from unfamiliar users will be moved to a separate inbox by default. Additionally, Discord will display warning prompts when users receive friend requests from accounts they may not recognize.
Previous Testings
Discord previously tested the teen by default system in the UK and Australia. The company said the global rollout builds on those results.
Savannah Badalich, Discord’s head of product policy, said the goal is to provide stronger protections for teens while allowing verified adults more flexibility. She added that teen safety remains central to Discord’s product design.
Privacy Concerns
Public reaction to the update has been mixed. Some users support stricter controls on messaging and content access for teens. Others have raised concerns about privacy and mandatory age verification.
Critics pointed to a security incident in late 2025 involving a third-party support provider, where attackers accessed age verification and support ticket data. Discord said about 70,000 users had their ID photos exposed, and the company cut off the vendor’s access and is working with law enforcement. However, some reports suggest the stolen data could be larger.
Users on social forums expressed frustration that verification photos described as temporary were still stored and later leaked, raising questions about the security of the process.
Discord is Not Alone
Discord’s update follows similar changes across the social media industry. Instagram already applies stricter content and messaging settings to teen accounts by default. Snapchat keeps teen accounts private and limits discoverability. TikTok has expanded AI-based age detection to identify underage users.
Discord is also launching a Teen Council made up of 10 to 12 users aged 13 to 17 to help Discord understand what teens want to help improve the app further.
