Discord is rolling out a new global age verification system that lets (and in many cases eventually forces) users to prove their age with either a face scan–style “video selfie” or a government ID, with big implications for privacy and access.

What is “Discord age verification face scan”?

  • Starting around March 2026, all accounts are set to a teen-style experience by default unless you verify as an adult.
  • To lift those restrictions, Discord lets you:
    • Take a video selfie so an AI system estimates your age (“facial age estimation”).
* Or upload a **photo of an ID** (driver’s license, passport, etc.) to a third‑party verification partner.
  • This system builds on earlier tests from 2024–2025 where Discord tried face/ID checks for sensitive content and for some regions like the UK.

In short: you either prove you’re an adult, or you stay in a heavily restricted teen mode.

What actually changes for users?

If you do not verify your age:

  • You get a “teen experience” :
    • No access (or limited access) to adult/NSFW or sensitive media channels.
* More aggressive **content filters** on anything marked sensitive or graphic.

* Restrictions around certain server features like some age‑gated servers, stages, and possibly other higher‑risk areas.

* Stricter controls on **DMs and friend requests** from people you don’t know; these may be filtered into a separate inbox or blocked by default.

If you do verify as an adult:

  • You can:
    • Join and view age‑restricted servers/channels and sensitive content (subject to server rules).
* Adjust sensitive‑content settings more freely.

* Use the platform with fewer teen‑focused safety limits (though standard rules still apply).

Discord says most users will only have to verify once , and then the app adapts your experience to your age group.

How does the face scan / video selfie work?

Discord’s current messaging emphasizes “facial age estimation,” not full biometric identity matching.

Key points:

  1. Video selfie on your device
    • You take a short video selfie in the Discord app or via a linked flow.
 * AI checks your facial features to estimate an age range (for example, “18+”) rather than matching you to a specific ID database.
  1. On‑device processing & deletion promises
    • Discord says video selfies stay on your device and are not uploaded, with age estimation happening locally.
 * They also say **facial scans are not stored** and are deleted once age estimation is done.
  1. If the AI gets it wrong
    • If the estimated age is too low , you can:
      • Retry the process, or
      • Confirm with a photo of your government ID for a manual/stronger verification step.
  1. Third‑party vendor involvement
    • For ID uploads, a vendor partner checks the document and age.
 * Discord says ID images are **deleted quickly** , usually right after verification.

The vendor approach is similar to previous tests where Discord used third parties for ID + face checks to gate sensitive content.

Privacy, data, and the October breach

This system is being launched in a context where users already worry about how much sensitive data Discord and its partners see.

What Discord claims

  • No biometric storage : They explicitly stress this is age estimation , not biometric identification or long‑term facial recognition.
  • Limited data retention :
    • Video selfies: processed on device , not sent to Discord or partners; not retained.
* ID photos: sent to a vendor, checked, then **deleted “immediately” or very quickly** after verification.
  • Hidden verification status : Your verified age or verification status is not visible to other users.

Why people are still nervous

  • In October (prior to this global rollout) , one of Discord’s former third‑party vendors was breached , and age‑verification data including images of government IDs leaked.
  • After that, Discord says it stopped using that vendor and switched providers.
  • Critics point out:
    • Even short‑term storage means a vendor is a single point of failure.
    • “Facial age estimation” still uses your face , which many people view as highly sensitive even if it’s not stored.
    • Some users worry about mission creep (the system being repurposed in the future).

So while Discord is emphasizing safety and compliance , there’s a real, documented case that fuels distrust.

Why is Discord doing this?

The move is largely about safety regulations, liability, and brand image.

  • Discord hosts a mix of general and adult content , with many minors using the platform.
  • Global pressure has risen to prove platforms keep kids away from adult content , especially in the US, UK, and EU.
  • By enforcing age checks with:
    • Face/ID scanning for sensitive media, and
    • A global teen‑by‑default experience ,
      Discord can argue it is proactively protecting minors and meeting regulatory expectations.

From a user perspective, that means more safety walls —but also more friction and a stronger “verify or accept restrictions” choice.

What forums and creators are saying

Public forums and creators are already buzzing about the face scan requirement.

Common community reactions

  • Supportive (safety‑focused) :
    • Some users like having stricter age‑gated controls on explicit servers and media.
* Parents and safety advocates see this as overdue, since other platforms do far less.
  • Critical (privacy & trust):
    • People worry about handing over their face or ID given Discord’s history with third‑party vendors and the documented breach.
* Concerns that the AI **misjudges ages** , especially for people who look younger/older than they are.

* Fear of **future misuse** , like the system being expanded beyond age gating.
  • Practical annoyance :
    • Long‑time users frustrated about being forced to verify just to keep using certain servers or features.
* Worries about **ban waves** or false positives, especially if automatic systems decide someone looks underage.

Example of the vibe

  • A Reddit thread discussing the 2026 rollout describes it as Discord “requiring facial scans or government ID for full access starting March 2026 globally,” framing age verification as central to the new experience and warning that some users may be asked to verify multiple times or with multiple methods.
  • Tech outlets describe it as “Discord will soon require face scans or ID for all users, or restrict access,” emphasizing that the default experience will be teen‑level until you verify.

Quick FAQ

1. Will I be forced to do a face scan?

  • No, but if you want full adult access, you will likely have to either do the video selfie or submit an ID ; staying unverified keeps you in teen mode.

2. Is this just for NSFW servers?

  • It started around sensitive/explicit content , but the new wave applies platform‑wide , with all accounts defaulting to a teen experience until age is verified.

3. Does Discord store my biometric data?

  • Discord says no ; the video selfie is processed on your device, and ID images with vendors are deleted soon after verification.
  • However, there has been at least one vendor breach involving age‑verification data in the past.

4. Can I bypass it or fake my age?

  • People will undoubtedly try makeup, filters, or tricks, and creators have already speculated about gaming the AI, but Discord can fall back to ID checks and manual reviews if something looks wrong.

5. What if I don’t feel safe sharing ID or my face?

  • You can keep using Discord with teen‑style restrictions and avoid uploading any sensitive documents or scans.
  • The trade‑off is losing some adult content and features.

TL;DR: Discord’s new age verification face scan system means that, starting in 2026, you’ll either accept a teen‑locked version of the app or prove you’re an adult via a video selfie or government ID, with strong privacy promises but real worry in the community due to vendor breaches and growing regulatory pressure.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.