Discord Delays Age Verification Plans After User Outcry
Discord is postponing its age verification plans, initially slated for a March rollout, due to widespread criticism from its users. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Stanislav Vishnevskiy announced that the implementation of this system for users under 16 is now pushed to the latter half of this year.
Key Updates on Discord’s Age Verification Plans
– Legal Compliance: Discord remains committed to meeting legal requirements related to age verification and assures users that these measures are forthcoming.
– New Verification Options: The platform is exploring alternative verification methods that won’t require facial recognition or ID scans. One option under consideration includes credit card verification.
– Addressing User Concerns: In a recent blog post, Vishnevskiy acknowledged the backlash, admitting, In hindsight, we should have provided more detail about our intentions and how the process works. He recognized the skepticism surrounding tech companies: It’s earned, not just toward us, but toward the entire tech industry.
– User Statistics: It is estimated that less than 10% of Discord’s user base will need to verify their age. For these individuals, access to age-restricted content will be limited until their age is confirmed.
– Current Age Determination System: Discord currently employs an internal age determination system that assesses factors such as account age, payment methods, server participation, and general account activity to infer a user’s age. Vishnevskiy clarified that this system does not involve reading messages or analyzing conversations.
– Transparency: To enhance user trust, Discord plans to publish its age determination methodology before the global rollout of age verification.
Global Context for Age Verification
With new regulations emerging in the UK, Australia, the EU, and Brazil regarding social media access for younger users, as well as potential state-level regulations in the US, Discord is actively aligning itself with these rules. Additionally, the company is preparing for a public offering later this year.
Community Reaction to Age Verification
The initial age verification plans, which included facial scans and government ID checks, faced swift backlash from the Discord community. Notable server host Alastair, known as Eret and managing a server with over 60,000 users, expressed a common sentiment: I do not trust them. Many users chose Discord for its private spaces, which allow for intimate discussions without intrusive monitoring.
Security Concerns
Recent security issues have heightened user distrust. In October, a data breach exposed official ID photos of approximately 70,000 users from a previous age verification initiative. Discord emphasized its commitment to security, clarifying that no images would be stored once the age verification system is implemented. The company also distanced itself from Persona, a UK-based age verification partner criticized for exposing sensitive files online.
The Future of Discord and Its User Base
Discord has seen a surge in popularity, especially among gamers who use the platform to connect anonymously while streaming on services like Twitch. Following the pandemic, there has been a notable increase in teenagers using Discord. As the platform navigates these significant changes, user confidence will be crucial for the success of its age verification plans. While Discord is dedicated to implementing these measures, clear communication and transparency will be essential in rebuilding trust within its community.
Discord appears to be on a path to a safer and more compliant platform, but the effective handling of its age verification process will dictate its future relationship with its users.