On Monday, Discord announced a global rollout of age verification. Starting next month, all user accounts will have a “teen-appropriate” setup by default. If users want access to adult content, they’ll need to prove they are adults.
Users who don’t verify their age will face restrictions. They can’t join age-restricted servers or channels, will have limited access to certain features, and will see filters for graphic content. For instance, friend requests from unknown users will trigger warnings, and direct messages will go to a separate inbox.
Savannah Badalich, Discord’s head of product policy, mentioned that servers users were part of before the age checks will remain hidden behind a black screen until verification is completed. This decision comes as part of a larger movement among online platforms to implement stricter age controls, largely due to legal pressures aimed at enhancing child safety online.
This isn’t Discord’s first attempt at age verification. Previously, they tested age checks in the UK and Australia. Interestingly, some users found ways to bypass those checks. Badalich noted that while the company quickly resolved this, she expects users will continue trying to outsmart the system.
Concerns about privacy are also significant. Many adults may hesitate to share identification, especially after a data breach in October that exposed sensitive information of some users, including ID photos.
For verification, users can opt to use facial age estimation. This involves an AI analyzing a video selfie, which remains on the user’s device. If the AI’s estimate is incorrect, users can appeal the decision or provide a government ID. Discord claims to delete IDs promptly after verification.
However, some users might not need to provide any ID at all. A new model will analyze behavior and activity to determine their age group. As Badalich explained, if Discord’s system has a high degree of confidence that a user is an adult, age verification will be skipped.
While the company doesn’t anticipate major changes for most users, there is an expectation of some drop in user engagement. Badalich acknowledged this risk, stating that they are preparing for it and are looking for ways to keep users engaged.
As social media continues to evolve, platforms like Discord are making notable changes to enhance safety, especially for younger audiences. Users have mixed feelings about these changes, often expressing concerns on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, highlighting the balance between security and privacy.
For more information on online safety measures, you can check resources like the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.
Source link
Apps,Gaming,News,PC Gaming,Policy,Tech
