21 February 2026

Discord is Scanning Our Faces Now: A Summary of TechLinked's Latest Video

In a recent video, TechLinked dives into Discord's new global age verification system, which is set to roll out next month. This update has sparked a mix of excitement and concern among users, and we’ve summarized the key points so you don’t have to watch the entire video.

What’s Happening?

Discord has announced that it will implement a global age verification process that defaults to a teen-friendly experience for all users who do not verify their age. This means that if you’re underage or choose not to verify, your experience on the platform will be tailored to be appropriate for teenagers.

To verify their age, users will have two options:

1. Facial Age Estimation: Users can complete a video selfie that will estimate their age.
2. Government ID Submission: Alternatively, users can submit a photo of their government-issued ID to one of Discord's third-party vendor partners.

This new system follows a trial run in the UK and Australia, and it aims to enhance user safety and compliance with age-related regulations.

Concerns and Criticism

The video also addresses concerns raised by critics regarding data privacy. In October 2025, a data breach involving one of Discord's third-party vendors exposed the age verification data of approximately 70,000 users, including images of government IDs. However, TechLinked clarifies that this breach was linked to an older age verification system introduced in 2020, which has since been terminated.

Discord has assured users that the new facial age estimation process will be conducted entirely on-device, meaning that sensitive data will not be stored or transmitted unnecessarily. Any ID documents submitted will typically be deleted immediately after age confirmation. If a user’s age is incorrectly estimated, they have the option to appeal the decision or verify their age using a government ID.

Key Takeaways

• Global Age Verification: Discord is rolling out a new age verification system that defaults to a teen experience for unverified users.
• Verification Methods: Users can verify their age through a facial estimation video or by submitting a government ID.
• Data Privacy Measures: The new system is designed to enhance privacy, with on-device processing and immediate deletion of ID documents after verification.
• Appeal Process: Users can appeal incorrect age estimations or provide additional verification if needed.

In summary, TechLinked's video provides a comprehensive overview of Discord's new age verification system, highlighting both its potential benefits and the concerns surrounding data privacy. If you want to stay informed about the latest developments in tech, be sure to check out TechLinked's channel for more updates!