Discord Deploys AI Face Scans for Age Verification in Key Usage Scenarios

Discord Implements AI Face Scans for Age Verification

Discord has introduced a new age-verification system using AI-powered face scans and ID checks in response to increasing regulatory pressures, particularly from the UK and Australia. The move is aimed at ensuring that users comply with legal age requirements and protecting minors from potentially harmful content.

Context and Background

There is growing concern about the impact of social media on children and teenagers. Many states and countries are enacting laws to address these issues, including imposing age restrictions or requiring parental consent for app usage. The UK and Australia have recently introduced stricter regulations for app developers in this regard.

Some argue that app stores, rather than individual apps, should be responsible for age verification. Meta has advocated for this approach, and several US states are considering legislation to shift the responsibility to Apple and Google.

Discord's Age-Verification Process

Discord’s new system is currently a trial limited to the UK and Australia. Users will be asked to verify their age in two specific scenarios:

1. When encountering content flagged by Discord’s sensitive media filter.
2. When trying to change settings related to sensitive content filters.

Users can choose between a face scan or scanning a government-issued ID. For the face scan, age estimation is performed locally on the user's device and is not stored. For the ID scan, the image is uploaded but deleted after verification.

If users fail the age check, they will be banned from the app unless they successfully appeal the decision.