Discord rolls out global age-estimation system

Discord is rolling out a global age-assurance system seven months after pausing its previous verification measures following user backlash, The Verge's Jess Weatherbed reports.

Starting today in every country except Australia and the UK, Discord will automatically assign users to an estimated age group using “multiple account signals.” The system may restrict accounts believed to belong to users between 13 and 17. Discord co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy says the model examines account age and history, activity across channels and servers, and connected communities, servers, and games. It does not examine messages, calls, or other content, he says.

Discord expects 90 percent of users will not be asked to confirm their age. Users believed to be over 18 will enter the Adult group without account changes. Teen accounts will receive protections such as sensitive-content filters and blurring, along with restricted access to +18 servers and messaging features.

If automatic estimation fails or is incorrect, users can confirm their age through face or ID scans, credit cards, Apple's App Store, Google's Play Store, Google Wallet, or AgeKey. Discord paused its earlier system in February after privacy concerns and a breach at a third-party vendor exposed user information and scanned photo IDs.