Discord Rolls Out Mandatory Age Verification With Teen First Defaults For All Users

Discord is implementing one of its most significant safety updates to date as part of a broader effort to protect younger users online.

The company will automatically apply teen-appropriate settings across its platform unless users verify they are 18 or older, similar to the recent restrictions by OpenAI.

This change reshapes how users access content and interact on Discord, reflecting increasing regulatory pressure and industry-wide scrutiny around youth safety, identity verification, and platform responsibility.

Discord Confirms Global Teen First Settings

In its official announcement, Discord confirmed that teen-first settings will become the global default experience for all users beginning in early March 2026. The company said the change is designed to ensure age-appropriate interactions across its more than 200 million monthly active users.

Under the new system, both new and existing accounts will automatically receive stricter communication and content controls.

Users who want access to age-restricted servers and features must complete age verification using either on-device facial age estimation or government ID verification through third-party partners. Discord stated that identity data is deleted quickly after verification and that age status is not publicly visible.

The company also announced the formation of a Teen Council to help guide future safety product decisions. Discord framed the rollout as part of its long-term safety roadmap, introduced during Safer Internet Day, aiming to balance protection for minors with flexibility for verified adults.

Access Limits for Unverified Users

TechCrunch reports that users who do not verify their age will remain in the teen-appropriate experience by default. This includes blocked access to age-restricted channels, servers, and commands, along with stricter content filtering.

Unverified accounts will see sensitive media blurred and face communication limits such as restricted participation in stage channels and messages from unknown users being routed to secondary inboxes.

These settings can only be adjusted after successful age verification. TechCrunch also noted that Discord plans to expand verification options over time.

The report referenced a previously disclosed vendor-related security incident, adding context to ongoing privacy concerns surrounding identity-based verification systems.

A New Standard for Online Safety

Discord’s teen-first global rollout marks a fundamental change in how large online communities manage safety, access, and identity.

By defaulting users into age-appropriate settings and requiring verification for full access, Discord aims to reduce exposure to harmful content and better protect minors. 

At the same time, the update introduces new privacy and user experience challenges. The policy signals a broader shift toward stricter age controls across the tech industry as platforms navigate evolving legal, social, and safety expectations.

Source: Discord Launches Teen-by-Default