The Discord application has established itself over the past few years as one of the leading online messaging platforms in the gaming world. DADO RUVIC / REUTERS
Messaging platform Discord announced Monday, February 9, it will implement enhanced safety features for teenage users globally, including facial recognition, joining a wave of social media companies rolling out age verification systems.
The rollout, beginning in early March, will make teen-appropriate settings the default for all users, with adults needing to verify their age to loosen protections including content filters and bans on direct messaging, the company said.
The San Francisco-based platform, popular among gamers, will use facial age estimation technology and identity verification through vendor partners to determine users' ages.
Tracking software running in the background will also help determine the age of users without always requiring direct verification.
