Discord is delaying its planned global rollout of age verification measures following a significant backlash from users concerned about privacy and data security. The company, popular among gamers and online communities, initially announced the policy in February, aiming to verify the age of all users. However, the rollout, originally slated for March, has now been pushed back to the second half of .
The core of the controversy stemmed from Discord’s proposed methods for age verification. The plan involved requiring users to either scan their faces or upload government-issued identification to prove their age, particularly for those accessing age-restricted channels. This sparked immediate and widespread criticism, with many users voicing concerns about the potential for data breaches and misuse of sensitive personal information. Searches for “Discord alternatives” reportedly surged by 10,000% shortly after the announcement, indicating a significant level of user dissatisfaction.
Discord’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, acknowledged the missteps in a blog post, stating, “We missed the mark.” He addressed user concerns that the company was seeking to collect personal data unnecessarily, adding, “I get that skepticism. It’s earned, not just toward us, but toward the entire tech industry.” The delay is intended to allow Discord to address these concerns and revise its approach.
A key factor contributing to the user backlash was a recent data breach affecting a third-party vendor Discord had partnered with. In , the data of approximately 70,000 users, including photos of their government-issued IDs, was exposed. While Discord has since terminated its relationship with that vendor and implemented stricter vetting procedures for partners, the incident significantly eroded user trust.
Further complicating matters was Discord’s initial testing of a verification provider called Persona. Persona, also used by platforms like Roblox and Reddit, faced scrutiny due to its financial ties to Founders Fund, a venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, who also founded Palantir. Palantir is a data analytics company known for its work with government agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising concerns about potential surveillance and data handling practices. Researchers discovered that Persona’s code was publicly accessible without adequate security measures, adding to the anxieties surrounding data privacy.
Discord has since cut ties with Persona, explaining that the provider did not meet the company’s requirement for facial recognition to be processed locally on users’ devices, without data being sent to external servers. This commitment to on-device processing is a central element of Discord’s revised strategy.
Looking ahead, Discord plans to explore alternative, non-identifying verification methods. The company is also promising greater transparency by publicly listing all its verification partners and detailing their practices. Discord intends to offer credit card verification as an alternative to facial scanning or ID uploads. The company also plans to publish a detailed explanation of its automated age detection systems.
Discord emphasizes that the vast majority of its users – over 90% – will likely not be required to undergo age verification. The process will primarily be triggered for users attempting to access age-restricted content or modify certain security settings. The company will continue to comply with existing legal obligations for age verification in regions like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Brazil, where such regulations are already in place.
The delay underscores the challenges tech platforms face when attempting to balance user safety and privacy with regulatory requirements. Discord’s initial approach, while intended to address legitimate concerns about underage users on the platform, inadvertently triggered a wave of privacy concerns that ultimately forced a reassessment. The company’s willingness to acknowledge its mistakes and adapt its strategy will be crucial in rebuilding user trust and navigating the complex landscape of online age verification.
