On Feb. 24, popular social media and communications platform Discord announced that they will be updating their protocols revolving age and facial recognition on their app.
When they announced the new protocols, which included passing a facial recognition process or uploading a specific form of ID, many users were unsatisfied. If the verification process was not completed, many users would be blocked from using specific servers or games.
The new age verification process was set to be put into place on Mar. 17, however, the company announced they would be “pushing” the implementation due to the feedback they received. They announced that they would be looking into more options for age verification.
Many users were unhappy because of the possibility of getting hacked, as Discord has had data breaches in the pass; some happening weekly. Others pointed out that companies keep information stored to sell to other companies, and when data breaches occur, they can be used for nefarious purposes such as identity theft, which could result in financial issues such as opening credit lines or applying for loans.
In Oct. 2025, Discord was part of a data breach that actually compromised over 70,000 users. After this, many users were weary of uploading any personal information or identifiable information onto the site.
Discord, however, announced now that they would not be “collecting” the data in systems to sell or hold onto it. Discord also announced that only 10% of users would be flagged for needing to verify their age. They also point out that it’s not identify verification, but age verification instead.
This is vastly different from any other online platforms, with companies such as Roblox which separates their ages into six categories. The main problem with this is that people have been getting put into the wrong age groups and being exposed to content that is not meant for them.
Some users online argue that Discord has mistakenly blocked some servers and channels for age, even when all server users were adults. Reddit users online pointed out that their severs were flagged as age-restricted, despite it being an invite-only sever and everyone being of age.
Despite 90% of users not having to go through the new process, there is still a question of who will be and how it will roll out. Discord users are not happy with the new changes. Some Cardozo students who actively use Discord and other sites shared their thoughts about disliking the new process.
“I think it’s stupid, because it can be very inconsistent,” shared student Chelanny. “Especially Roblox, it got my age wrong.” When users have inaccurate ages posted, it can lock them out of specific games and apps. Some students who are given the incorrect age then cannot participate in various forums and platforms.
“It often takes too long and is overly complex,” said student Bao, who points out how long it can take for some websites to update their profiles and even upload the specific material needed.
Overall, both students share the same sentiments as users all over the world who use Discord.
