Discord recently announced a new policy that will change the way the communication platform handles the age of its users. Starting in March 2026, all accounts will be automatically considered to belong to minors by default, with appropriate access and usage restrictions. This decision comes in response to the growing call for the protection of young people online and aims to enhance the safety of younger users on this popular platform.
The details of age verification
As part of this new initiative, Discord will implement an age verification process that will require users to prove their identity to access adult-only discussion spaces or sensitive content. Users who wish to exit “teen” mode will therefore have to undergo this verification process. This change comes as services for online child protection are at the forefront of public concerns, especially in countries like Australia and France.
A change already in place in some countries
British and Australian Discord users are already familiar with these measures, which were implemented in response to legislative requirements. This age verification policy will be extended globally in March 2026. Through this initiative, Discord aims to ensure a safe experience for all its members, ensuring that young users do not have access to inappropriate content.
The implications of age verification
When a user is considered a minor, several restrictions come into effect. Content deemed sensitive or inappropriate will be filtered or blurred to avoid any premature exposure. Additionally, access to certain servers or channels, typically reserved for adults, will also be blocked. Messages from unknown users will be redirected to a dedicated inbox, while young users will receive warnings upon new friend requests.
Guiding interactions for young users
To ensure the safe use of the platform by adolescents, Discord will also implement specific measures regarding interactions with adult users in “stage” audio rooms, where only verified adults will be allowed to speak. This aims to protect young users from potential predators and to create a safer environment on the platform.
Technology and verification processes
To facilitate this age verification, Discord will deploy a combination of techniques, including reliance on artificial intelligence capable of detecting if an account belongs to an adult through characteristic analysis. If a user is deemed an adult, they will not be subject to further verification. For more uncertain cases, Discord will offer two options: a video selfie that assesses age through facial feature analysis, or the upload of a digitized identity document.
Promotion of privacy and security
Discord ensures that all data collected during this process will be handled with the utmost care. Documents provided by users will be processed by third-party companies and immediately destroyed after verification, thus guaranteeing the respect of users’ privacy.
Commitment to young users
To go beyond these measures, Discord has also established a “Teen Council”, made up of young users, aimed at listening to and considering their concerns regarding the use of the platform. This council encourages participation from adolescents aged 13 to 17, who can apply until May 1, 2026.
Context of child protection in the digital space
This policy change by Discord is also linked to a general climate of public debate around online child protection. Similar initiatives are expected in other countries as regulations and laws are put in place to restrict social media access for those under 15. For example, France is planning similar restriction measures to curb potential dangers faced by young people on social platforms. Authorities are looking to follow in the footsteps of other countries like Australia, which has recently strengthened its online safety legislation.
For more information on their commitments, check supplementary articles covering similar measures in other contexts, such as the ban on certain programs on France TV, available here, or on restrictions related to social media for those under 15 here.
