Discord is rolling out a global "teen-by-default" experience starting in early March 2026.
All new and existing accounts worldwide will automatically default to teen-appropriate settings unless users verify they are adults.
This is part of enhanced safety features for users over 13, in response to growing regulatory pressures and a focus on age-appropriate experiences.
Key Details from Discord's Announcement
- Default Restrictions for Unverified Users (treated as teens):
- Restricted or blocked access to age-gated servers/channels.
- Inability to speak in "stage" channels (livestream-like features).
- Content filters applied to graphic or sensitive media (e.g., blurring or blocking).
- Extra warnings/prompts for friend requests or DMs from unfamiliar users.
- DMs from non-friends filtered into a separate inbox.
- Normal direct messages and non-age-restricted servers should continue functioning as usual.
- To Unlock Full Adult Access:
- Users need to complete age assurance/verification (a one-time process in most cases).
- Options include:
- Facial age estimation — Take a video selfie (via camera) for AI-based age check.
- Government-issued ID — Scan/upload a photo of your ID (processed by third-party vendors like k-ID or Persona).
- If the face scan estimate is wrong, you can appeal or switch to ID verification.
- Discord states that data (especially IDs and selfies) is not permanently stored
— deleted quickly after confirmation (often immediately).
- More verification methods may be added later.
This builds on prior tests in places like the UK and Australia (due to local laws like the UK's Online Safety Act), but now it's expanding globally in a phased rollout starting next month.
Sources confirming this include:
- Discord's official press release: "Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally" (February 9, 2026).
- Coverage from The Verge, 9to5Mac, Engadget, Dexerto, and Discord's own support articles on age assurance.
If you're an adult user, you'll likely see a prompt soon (or in March) to verify if you want to bypass the teen defaults—especially for accessing NSFW servers, sensitive content, or certain features.
Teens get stronger built-in protections without needing to do anything extra.
Privacy concerns have been raised in discussions (e.g., on Reddit and forums) about facial scans/ID uploads, but Discord emphasizes third-party processing and quick deletion to minimize risks.
If this affects you directly, check your Discord app/settings or their Safety Center for the latest.
