Discord delays age verification plans after user outcry

Users were unhappy about plans for age verification to require facial or ID scans.

Discord has delayed the global rollout of its age verification policy, originally planned for March 2026, following backlash over privacy concerns. The new system, requiring face scans or ID uploads for users whose ages couldn't be determined, drew criticism, especially after a previous data breach exposed sensitive user data. Discord's CTO acknowledged the concerns, promising greater transparency and stricter data protection measures.

Discord has postponed its global age verification rollout, initially set for March, to the second half of 2026. The decision follows significant user backlash over privacy concerns, with the company emphasizing that over 90% of users won't be affected, as age can usually be estimated through account signals without analyzing messages or content.

Discord has canceled its planned age verification rollout, initially set for March, and is delaying it until the second half of 2026. The company acknowledges the controversy surrounding the initial plan and promises to provide more user-friendly options in the future.

Discord faced significant backlash after conducting a controversial age verification test in the UK using the vendor Persona, leading to privacy concerns and user outrage. The company has since distanced itself from Persona and is revising its age verification strategy.

Discord has delayed its global age verification rollout to the second half of 2026 and severed ties with Persona, a verification vendor backed by Peter Thiel, following widespread user backlash over privacy concerns.