Concerns about the potentially adverse effects of social media on children and teenagers are on the rise, prompting various states and countries to implement new regulations. In response, Discord has begun integrating a combination of AI-driven facial scans and ID verifications in two particular scenarios…
Legislation for Child Protection
Social media platforms are facing criticism for allegedly promoting addictive behavior among teenagers while neglecting to enforce their stated age restrictions effectively.
The debate is intensifying as several legislative bodies are moving to impose legally enforceable age limits or require parental consent for minors using social media.
This trend is not limited to the United States; the UK and Australia have also introduced stricter regulations targeting app developers regarding usage by children and teens.
Additionally, there’s an ongoing discussion about responsibility for age verification. Currently, developers must implement checks in their applications; however, Meta argued in 2023 that app stores are better suited for this role, a stance which Zuckerberg reinforced last year. This perspective is gaining traction, with at least nine US states deliberating on legislation that would place this responsibility on Apple and Google.
Discord’s Facial Scanning for Age Verification
In apparent reaction to the new laws in the UK and Australia, Discord is initiating age verification, allowing users to either scan government-issued photo ID or undergo a facial scan. The company refers to this as a trial, currently limited to these two regions, although further expansion to the US seems probable if successful.
Discord indicates that users will encounter this verification in one of two specific scenarios:
1. Upon encountering content flagged by the sensitive media filter, you may be prompted to verify your age group.
2. When attempting to adjust sensitive content filter settings, age verification may be required first.
For instance, if you have the setting for suspected nude images set to Blur, you will need to verify your age if you want to disable that setting.
The verification prompt will provide you with two options:
- Option 1: Face Scan
- Select Face Scan on the verification interface.
- Allow camera access when prompted.
- Follow the instructions displayed on the screen to complete the scan.
- Press Done to submit your scan.
- Option 2: Scan ID
- Select Scan ID on the verification interface.
- Utilize your mobile device to scan the QR code provided.
- Capture a clear image of your ID in line with the guidelines.
- Press Done to finalize your submission.
If you choose the face scan option, Discord states that age estimation occurs on your device and is neither uploaded nor saved. In contrast, if you opt for ID verification, that scan will be uploaded but deleted once verification is completed.
The company cautions that if the results suggest that you are under the minimum age required to use the app in your country, you will be banned if you fail verification. However, there is an option to appeal if you believe the decision is incorrect.
Photo by Mark Farías on Unsplash
