Discord announced that starting in March, it will implement a comprehensive age verification system globally, requiring all users to verify their age via face scan or government ID to access full platform features and adult content. This move aims to enhance child safety and comply with international legal standards. All accounts will be set to a 'teen-appropriate' experience by default, with restricted access to age-restricted servers, channels, and content for unverified users. Verification methods include AI-based facial age estimation, which never leaves the user's device, and submission of government-issued IDs, which are deleted immediately after verification. Users may also be verified through an age inference model analyzing activity and metadata, allowing some to bypass manual verification. The process is designed to be a one-time verification for most users, though some may need multiple attempts or additional methods. Discord has previously faced criticism over data privacy, especially after a past data breach involving age verification data, including IDs. The platform emphasizes that no biometric scanning or facial recognition is used, and all data are handled with strict privacy protections. These updates follow recent efforts by Discord to improve child safety, including banning teen dating channels and implementing content filters and warnings. The company is also forming a Teen Council to better understand teen needs and online safety. Overall, this initiative reflects a broader industry trend toward stricter age verification to protect minors and regulate adult content online.