Photo credit: www.dexerto.com
Discord is piloting a new feature designed to enhance age verification for users seeking access to explicit content. This feature mandates that users either conduct a face scan or submit a photo of their identification to validate their age.
Launched in 2015, Discord has emerged as a prevalent messaging platform, particularly within gaming and various online communities. However, issues related to underage users accessing inappropriate content have prompted the need for stricter age verification measures.
Currently, this new age verification feature is being rolled out exclusively in the UK and Australia as part of a testing phase.
Discord has characterized this initiative as an ‘experiment,’ aimed at assisting users in configuring their “content filter settings” and regulating the exposure to “sensitive content.”
Understanding Discord’s Age Verification Feature
The primary function of this age verification mechanism is to restrict users from accessing explicit content without prior age confirmation.
Certain content within the platform is labeled with a sensitive media filter. Users may encounter this filter and, as stated on Discord’s informational page, will be presented with two options for age verification when attempting to view such content.
The first option allows the application to access the user’s camera for a face scan. Alternatively, users can choose to submit a clear photograph of their identification, ensuring adherence to specified guidelines.
Upon successful verification, users will receive a direct message that confirms their age group on their account.
While sharing personal information can be a source of concern, Discord assures users that data shared for age verification is utilized solely for the purpose of verification and is not retained by either Discord or its partner vendor.
According to the platform, the face scan technology operates on-device, ensuring that no biometric data is stored. In cases where users opt for ID verification, the uploaded ID image is deleted immediately after the verification process concludes.
Additionally, users are cautioned that accounts could face bans if the user is found to be under the age limit. However, there is a provision for appealing wrongful bans, allowing users to contest any decision made against them.
Source
www.dexerto.com