# Discord's new age check balances safety with privacy

> Discord rolls out a revised age verification system that sorts users automatically and offers privacy-focused options for those who need to confirm their age.
- Title: Discord's new age check balances safety with privacy
- Summary: Discord rolls out a revised age verification system that sorts users automatically and offers privacy-focused options for those who need to confirm their…
- Keywords: discord, age verification, privacy, social media, minors, content moderation, technology, Discord's, age, check, balances, safety
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2265924/discord-rolls-out-its-revised-age-verification-policy
- Author: Anna Washenko
- Published: 2026-09-22T20:29:08+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: discord, age verification, privacy, social media, minors, content moderation, technology
## Discord delays privacy concerns
Discord had planned to require facial age estimation or ID scans for users in twenty twenty-six. The company delayed those changes in February after community concerns about privacy and personal data collection.
## Automatic sorting begins this week
Starting this week, Discord will automatically sort users into Adult or Teen groups based on account age, servers joined and activity levels. Discord will not access messages or calls to determine age estimates.
## Most users need no action
For an expected ninety percent of the platform's audience, no further action will be needed if they are placed in the correct group. Users can check their assigned age group in Account Status under User Settings.
## Multiple verification options available
Users in the Unconfirmed age category can verify they are older than eighteen through credit card, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Google Wallet, AgeKey, ID scan or video selfie, depending on regional restrictions.
## Privacy protections for verification
Discord requires third-party age vendors to permanently delete user information after verification. Any facial age estimation will run completely on the user's device, not on Discord's servers.
## Teen accounts face three restrictions
Teen users cannot view age-gated content including sensitive images and adult-only servers. Messages from non-friends go to requests, friend requests from strangers trigger alerts, and profile details are only visible to friends and small servers.
## Key takeaway

Discord launched a revised age verification policy that automatically sorts users while offering privacy-focused confirmation methods, replacing its earlier plan for facial recognition or ID scans.