The news: Discord is joining the list of platforms implementing age verification processes in response to widespread scrutiny over children’s and teens’ digital habits. The platform will implement a new age-gating process in March that requires users to upload an ID or selfie for full access to all the app’s features.

Discord accounts will default to a teen-safe experience until their age is verified. Teen accounts will be barred from viewing specific sensitive content or joining age-restricted channels. Discord will use an “age verification model” that scans user history to determine if they are above the age limit. Users determined to be under 13 in the US or the minimum age required in other countries will be banned.

The trend: Several social platforms are intensifying age verification protocols in response to broader scrutiny.

• YouTube rolled out an AI-powered age verification system last year that estimates user ages based on viewing habits, search history, and account age. Accounts identified as under 18 were automatically placed under teen safety restrictions, including disabled personalized ads and restricted content access. Appeals require verification using an ID or credit card.
• Roblox debuted a similar feature shortly after YouTube, requiring all users to verify age via selfie or ID upload to access certain features. Roblox’s system analyzes facial features to estimate user ages; the platform also provides systems to limit communication between minors and adults.
• TikTok debuted stricter age verification requirements in Europe to detect and remove accounts under 13 amid heightened regulatory pressure.
• UK Reddit users are required to prove that they are above 18 by uploading a selfie or ID to access specific adult content.

Behind the crackdown: Platforms are responding to mounting regulatory and legal pressures to protect minors online. Social media giants YouTube and Meta, for instance, are embroiled in landmark trials where they are accused of causing harm to underage users. TikTok, alongside YouTube and Meta, was accused of deliberately harming children, but settled before a trial.

The crackdown presents challenges for platforms and the marketers who rely on them to reach key audiences—but maintains broad support from other parties.

• At least 60% of US adults support major child safety measures on social media: 74% support bans on child data collection, while 71% support mandatory parental consent for account creation, per CivicScience.
• Another 60% support efforts limiting the time kids can spend on social platforms and restricting ads served to kids.
• Most parents believe technology companies (67%) and lawmakers (55%) need to do more to protect children online, according to Pew Research Center.

Implications for marketers: Brands will continue to rely on social platforms with younger audiences to build habits and brand loyalty early—but as platforms across the board tighten age verification processes amid heightened scrutiny, marketers must prepare for increased expectations around responsible advertising.