Discord Takes a Bold Step with Face Scanning Age Verification

In a groundbreaking move, Discord is rolling out face scanning technology for age verification in the UK and Australia. This popular platform, boasting over 200 million monthly users, has evolved from a gaming hub to a vibrant community space covering a wide array of topics, including adult content.

UK's New Online Safety Laws Set the Stage for Change

With impending regulations under the UK's online safety laws stating that platforms hosting adult content must establish "robust" age verification systems by July, Discord's efforts are being seen as a timely response. Social media expert Matt Navarra signals this shift in the digital landscape: "This isn’t a one-off; it’s the start of a bigger shift," he explained.

Facial Recognition: The Fast Track to Compliance?

Regulators are demanding unambiguous proof of age, and facial recognition could be the quickest path to meeting these requirements. Navarra emphasized the seriousness of age verification: "Get it wrong, and you don’t just risk losing users—you could face hefty fines or even legal repercussions." Non-compliance with the Online Safety Act could result in penalties of up to 10% of a company's global turnover.

A Trend Already in Motion: Instagram’s Approach

Discord isn't alone in this initiative. Instagram implemented similar facial analysis age checks in 2022 for users wishing to update their profiles to indicate they are over 18. Users are asked to take a selfie video, which AI then analyzes to estimate their age, or they can simply upload a picture of their ID.

Privacy Concerns Surrounding Age Verification

As Discord embarks on this age verification experiment, users will have to undergo this verification the first time they encounter flagged sensitive content or alter their settings. Notably, Discord assures users that face scans will remain on their device, and any ID uploads will be promptly deleted after verification. However, the effectiveness and privacy implications of such checks continue to be debated.

The Future of Online Interaction: A New Era Begins

The landscape of online safety is changing rapidly, and age assurance is becoming essential, likened to "the new seatbelt for the internet." While some campaigners voice their concerns about privacy and effectiveness, it seems likely that stricter age verification measures will soon become standard practice across various platforms in the UK and beyond.