Discord Begins Testing Facial Recognition Scans For Age Verification
Discord is rolling out a new trial where users in the UK and Australia will have to verify their age using facial recognition scans or by uploading IDs. This is a response to new laws aimed at protecting minors from accessing sensitive content online. Essentially, if the content is flagged as sensitive, or if users tweak their settings to access such material, they’ll be prompted to show their age through a quick scan.
The verification is designed to be simple. A facial scan via the webcam or an ID upload, such as a driver’s licence, will suffice. Once verified, the data is not stored, ensuring user privacy. This is crucial as it only uses the information for a one-time verification, with the vendor’s technology operating on-device, meaning no biometric data gets retained.
Key Points
- Discord is testing age verification methods using facial scans and ID uploads in the UK and Australia.
- This initiative is a direct response to laws restricting youth access to online platforms.
- The verification process involves scanning via webcam or uploading a driver’s licence.
- User data from the verification process is not stored or retained to ensure privacy.
- This trial reflects broader industry efforts to protect young users from potentially harmful content.
Why should I read this?
If you’re a Discord user or just interested in online safety, this article is worth a read! It’s all about how platforms are evolving to keep users, especially minors, safe. With privacy and data security in such debates, knowing how businesses like Discord are adapting to legal changes could help you understand the future of online interactions.