We’re currently seeing growing concern about the potentially harmful impact of things like social media usage by kids and teens, with many states and countries enacting laws to address this. Discord has responded by starting to use a mix of AI-powered face scans and ID checks in two specific scenarios …
Child protection laws
Social media apps have been accused of trying to get teenagers addicted to their apps, and also failing to take any meaningful steps to ensure that users meet their claimed age requirements.
The issue is becoming increasingly contentious as a number of legislatures have sought to impose legally-binding age requirements, or to require parental permission for social media use.
It’s not just US states who are doing this: both the UK and Australia recently introduced new laws imposing tougher requirements on app developers when it comes to use by kids and teens.
As an aside, there’s also a battle over just who should be responsible for age verification. Currently the onus is on developers, who must carry out checks within each app, but Meta began arguing in 2023 that app stores are in a better position to do this, with Zuckerberg doubling down on this last year. That argument appears to be carrying weight, with at least nine US states considering legislation to make Apple and Google responsible.
Discord using facial scans for age-verification
In apparent response to the UK and Australian laws, Discord has begun asking users to verify their ages, offering a choice of scanning government-issued photo ID or submitting to a face scan. The company describes it as a trial, and says it’s currently limited to these two countries, though it seems likely to roll out to the US if it goes well.
The company says users will only be asked to do this in one of two specific scenarios:
1. When you encounter content flagged by our sensitive media filter, you may need to verify your age group.
2. When you try to change your sensitive content filter settings and need to verify your age first.
For example, if you currently have suspected nude images set to Blur, you’ll be asked to verify your age if you try to switch off this setting.
Discord says a verification window will ask you to choose between the two methods:
- Option 1: Face Scan
- Select Face Scan on the verification page.
- Allow access to your camera when prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan.
- Press Done to submit.
- Option 2: Scan ID
- Select Scan ID on the verification page.
- Use your mobile device to scan the QR code.
- Take a clear photo of your ID following the guidelines.
- Press Done to submit.
If you opt for a face-scan, Discord says the age estimation is performed on your device, so is not uploaded or stored. If you choose ID, the scan will be uploaded, but will be deleted after verification.
The company warns that if the checks suggest you are below the minimum age required to use the app in your country, then you will be banned if you fail. You can appeal if you believe the decision to be wrong.
Photo by Mark Farías on Unsplash
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