Discord Will Now Use AI and Selfies to Prove Your Age: Hits Canada Soon

Discord is overhauling its safety settings globally, moving all users to “teen-by-default” configurations starting in early March. The update aims to protect younger users by restricting sensitive content and contact from strangers unless an account is verified as belonging to an adult.

To access age-restricted channels, unblur sensitive content, or speak on Stages, users must now prove they are adults. Discord is introducing several ways to confirm age including facial estimation, which uses a video selfie processed on-device. Users can also choose to upload a piece of official identification to third-party partners, which Discord says is deleted quickly after verification. Additionally, an AI inference model will work in the background to help predict if an account belongs to an adult based on platform behaviour.

The rollout follows successful trials in the UK and Australia and automatically applies stricter privacy settings to everyone. These changes include routing messages from unknown users to a separate inbox and issuing alerts for suspicious friend requests. Only verified adults will have the ability to toggle these restrictions off and return to a more open experience.

Discord is also forming a ‘Teen Council’ made up of 10 to 12 teenagers aged 13 to 17. This group will advise the company on safety features and product policies to ensure the platform meets the actual needs of younger users. Applications for the council are open until May 1, 2026. Discord says these changes are designed to balance safety with privacy, ensuring age status remains hidden from other users.

Previously, Discord allowed users to create accounts by simply entering a birthdate to self-declare their age. That system was easy for kids to get around, leaving younger users exposed to potential creeps on the platform. The new verification system is meant to close that gap, adding stronger protections for minors while also confirming adult users’ ages.