Discord delays age verification plans after user outcry

Discord has postponed a planned global age verification rollout from March to the latter half of the year after user backlash, and says it will add non-biometric options such as credit-card checks while meeting legal obligations.

Discord has delayed a planned global age verification rollout that had been due to start in March. The company said verification aimed at identifying users under 16 will now be pushed to the latter half of the year. Discord said it will meet legal obligations and is developing verification methods that do not require facial or government ID scans. The decision follows widespread user concern and recent security issues connected to past verification tests. Key points: - Discord's CTO Stanislav Vishnevskiy announced the delay and acknowledged the rollout was controversial. - The company said it is developing "more verification options" that would not require facial or ID scans; one option mentioned is credit-card verification, and Discord stated that images used in the process will not be stored. - Discord expects fewer than 10% of users will need to verify their age; those users would face restricted access to age-restricted content and default settings until verified. - The company said it already uses an internal age-determination system that does not read messages, and it will publish that methodology before the global rollout; Discord also cited user mistrust after earlier data exposures linked to past verification efforts. Summary: The delay gives Discord time to add non-biometric verification options and to publish how it determines age. The company says it will meet specific legal obligations. A global rollout is expected in the latter half of the year, with the age-determination methodology to be published in advance.