Discord will treat all users as minors by default starting in March, requiring facial scans or government ID submissions to access adult features. The platform's new "teen-appropriate experience" blocks age-restricted content and limits messaging settings unless users verify their age through biometric analysis or document uploads to third-party vendors.

The move follows a 2023 incident where 70,000 government IDs were stolen from Discord's verification partner. While the company claims data gets deleted quickly, critics argue both verification methods create privacy risks. Adults must now choose between surrendering sensitive biometric data or accepting limited functionality on what's become a critical communication tool for workplaces, schools, and gaming communities.

This aggressive approach reflects growing pressure on platforms to protect minors, but sets a precedent that could alienate privacy-focused users. As one Android Central editor put it: "I'm glad Discord is putting children first, but I'll have to support it from the sidelines."