Several Discord users have had to provide the messaging service with a scan of their face. A surprising request that is currently limited, but which could become more widespread. We'll explain.
À Originally designed for video game players, the Discord messaging service has managed to establish itself outside of this environment. It has often become the preferred platform for internal communication within a company, for groups working on a common project, or simply for chatting with friends or family. This growth has been made possible in part by the regular addition of features that increasingly bring Discord closer to a “generic” messaging service. For example, the option to ignore a user instead of blocking them.
The growing popularity of the service is not without consequences for its operation. Discord must ensure that the people who use it, especially minors, are protected. There are filters that hide sensitive content, but bypassing them is a matter of a few clicks. This is unacceptable in some countries where internet protection laws for minors are very strict. In two of them, the messaging service has implemented a mandatory age verification system.
Why you may soon have to provide a face scan to use Discord
In the UK and Australia, Discord may ask you to scan your ID or face using your smartphone. Either because you are trying to view content considered sensitive, or because you are trying to change the settings of the associated filters. You will therefore first have to prove that you are of legal age, knowing that you will only have to do this once.
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British law requires platforms hosting pornographic content to use “robust” age verification systems. In Australia, those under 16 are not allowed to access a social network. For now, Discord has not said whether the procedure will be extended to other countries. The messaging service assures that the ID card scan is erased Once verified, the facial scan is performed locally on your mobile device and never leaves it. In case of error, you can request a manual scan.
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