Discord Delays Global Age Verification Rollout to 2026 After User Backlash, Promises More Options
Summary
Discord delays its global age verification rollout to 2026 after user backlash, promising expanded options including credit card verification and on-device facial estimation, while maintaining compliance in countries like the UK and Australia where legal requirements already exist.
Key Points
- Discord is delaying its global age verification rollout until the second half of 2026, citing a failure to clearly communicate its plans after widespread user backlash.
- Before expanding globally, Discord is adding more age verification options including credit card verification, publishing documentation on all verification vendors, and requiring that any facial age estimation be performed entirely on-device.
- In countries with existing legal requirements such as the UK, Australia, and soon Brazil, adults attempting to access age-restricted content must still verify their age through a vendor, while Discord clarifies its internal age estimation systems do not read messages or analyze user content.