Discord will require age verification for users worldwide as part of a global safety update scheduled to begin in March 2026. The communication platform said the changes are tied to its teen-by-default approach, which is designed to place younger users in stricter safety settings and limit their exposure to adult spaces and content.
Under the new system, users will be required to verify their age when using the service. Discord said age checks will rely on two main methods: facial age estimation through a face scan and verification using a government-issued identification document. Third-party verification providers will carry out these checks. The purpose is to confirm whether a user meets the age requirements for access to the platform and to specific features.
Discord said facial age estimation uses a selfie video or image to estimate a user’s age range. ID verification requires a user to submit a photo of an official identification document. The company said the verification process is focused on age confirmation rather than identity profiling. According to Discord, the information collected during verification is processed for validation and is not retained longer than necessary.
The company stated that all users will go through age verification as the system rolls out globally. Verified age will determine what settings and features are available on an account. Teenagers will be placed by default into more protective environments that restrict contact from unknown adults, reduce exposure to sensitive content, and limit participation in certain communities. Access to spaces intended for adults will depend on confirmed age.
Discord said the policy follows earlier trials of age checks in selected regions. Feedback from those tests was used to adjust how verification is triggered and how users are guided through the process. The company said it plans to provide in-app explanations so users understand when and why age verification is required.
The platform, which is widely used for group chats, gaming communities, and social interaction, has faced scrutiny in several countries over how minors interact with adults online. Regulators in multiple jurisdictions have increased focus on child safety and age-appropriate design in digital services. Discord said its update is meant to align with evolving legal expectations and safety standards.
Privacy advocates have raised questions in broader public debates about biometric checks and ID submission in age verification systems. Discord said its approach is designed to minimise data collection and to separate verification data from regular account information.
The rollout is expected to proceed in phases starting in March 2026. Discord said users will receive notices in the app as the requirement reaches their region. The company stated that age verification will become a standard part of account access as the system expands.