Discord is facing significant backlash over its new mandatory age verification system after a recent data breach exposed 70,000 user IDs. The platform announced that users will soon need to verify ages to access adult content by sharing video selfies or uploading government IDs. Discord claims its AI technology verifies age on the user's device, with data deleted immediately after processing.

This phased global rollout, beginning in early March, will default all users to teen-appropriate experiences. Most users will need to verify their ages only once, though some may be asked to use multiple methods. The controversy intensified after hackers stole government IDs from a third-party service Discord previously used for age verification in the UK and Australia, with the company acknowledging the stolen data could be used for extortion.

Discord users are expressing serious concerns about privacy and security, with many questioning whether they can trust the platform with sensitive information. On social media and Reddit, users are vowing to avoid the verification process entirely, citing fears of inevitable breaches and potential identity theft. The company's partnership with k-ID, an age-check service provider also used by Meta and Snap, hasn't alleviated user concerns about data handling and privacy risks.

Quick Fact: Hackers stole government IDs of 70,000 Discord users from a third-party service in October.