Discord delays global age verification rollout after user backlash

Fast Company Tech

by Associated Press

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Discord, a leading platform for gamers, has delayed its global age verification policy following significant user backlash over privacy concerns. In a Tuesday blog post, Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Discord’s Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, acknowledged the company “missed the mark” by not addressing users’ skepticism about data collection. The rollout, initially planned for March, is now postponed until the second half of 2026 to allow for policy adjustments. The controversy arose after Discord announced a new age verification system that would require face scanning or ID uploads for undetermined adult users. This drew criticism, particularly after a recent security breach exposed government ID photos of up to 70,000 users through a third-party vendor. Vishnevskiy emphasized that Discord no longer works with this provider and has strict vetting processes for future partners, including contractual limits on data use and immediate deletion of verification information. For most users—around 90%—Discord can already determine age through account-level signals like payment methods, server activity, and account history. The company will now explore alternative verification options beyond face scanning and ID uploads, such as credit card checks, to address privacy concerns while still meeting legal obligations. Users who choose not to verify their age will retain access to most features except for age-restricted content and certain safety settings. This delay highlights the tension between innovation and user trust in tech design. By revising its approach, Discord demonstrates a commitment to balancing functionality with privacy expectations, a critical consideration for any platform handling vast amounts of user data. The company’s transparency about its policies and practices will likely influence how users perceive its efforts to address concerns moving forward.

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/25/2026