Discord caves under pressure, won't verify user ages yet

Discord is delaying the global rollout of its age verification system until the second half of 2026 following user backlash over privacy concerns, biometric checks, and third-party vendors. Discord icon Chief Technology Officer Stanislav Vishnevskiy said the company "missed the mark" in explaining how the system works and promised greater transparency before a global launch. The announcement follows criticism fueled in part by distrust after a 2025 data breach involving a former customer service provider. Vishnevskiy said most users won't encounter a verification prompt. Discord plans to rely on internal systems that infer whether an account is operated by an adult using signals such as account age, payment method status, and server participation patterns. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums