Age Verification
Ongoing coverage on Age Verification.
Latest coverage
The internet is ritualistically murdering Discord's cartoon mascot
Discord's recent rollout of its age estimation system has sparked widespread backlash, with users expressing frustration over mandatory age verification and perceived privacy concerns. In response, many internet users have resorted to creating and sharing artwork depicting Discord's mascot, Wumpus, meeting violent ends, highlighting the public's negative sentiment towards the new policy.
MMO Week in Review: Destiny 2’s revival, Aion 2’s stress test
This week's MMO news covers Destiny 2's revival with unvaulted content, Aion 2's stress test, and Ultima Online's 29th anniversary. Dune Awakening launched on consoles, Elder Scrolls Online discussed experimental features, and Microsoft continued layoffs. World of Warcraft Forever is impressing players, while other news includes The Division 2, Marathon, Warframe, and various other MMO updates and discussions.
Discord admits it's taking gambling sponsors, rushes to fix "extremely popular age assurance update that everyone on Discord was really looking forward to"
Discord is facing backlash for implementing a new age verification system while simultaneously introducing gambling advertisements, including those for FanDuel. The company acknowledges bugs in the age assurance update and states that ads for traditional real-money gaming are prohibited, but daily fantasy sports ads are intended for adults and are age-gated.
Discord takes a second swing at age verification, but don't worry, this time it'll guess how old you are with…
Discord is implementing a new age estimation model to verify user ages, aiming to comply with legal obligations while minimizing privacy intrusion. This model analyzes account behavior patterns, server connections, and activity levels, rather than message content. The company states that over 90% of users will not be asked to confirm their age directly, offering a less intrusive alternative to ID checks or selfies, though concerns about privacy and the effectiveness of such systems remain.
Discord roll out revised age verification following delay due to pushback, pledging to be "safer for teens, same Discord for Adults"
Discord has rolled out a revised global age verification system, opting for automatic age estimation using account signals rather than mandatory facial scans or ID checks. This approach aims to enhance teen safety while maintaining the platform's functionality for adults, addressing privacy concerns raised by earlier plans.
Microsoft's approach to age verification in Australia is further proof that Valve is taking the everloving piss
Valve's new age verification requirements in Australia, which mandate credit card details, are criticized for being ill-suited to the market and potentially malicious compliance. Microsoft's alternative approach, using account history to verify adult status, is presented as a more user-friendly alternative, despite general reservations about age verification systems.
Discord Begins Rolling Out Age Verification–And A Sponsorship With FanDuel
Discord has begun rolling out its age verification system, which uses an algorithmic combination of factors rather than biometric data. This rollout coincides with sponsored advertisements for the sports betting website FanDuel appearing for American users, leading to user speculation about a connection between the two events.
Discord launches controversial age-verification system "using the most privacy-preserving approach we could build" months after first delay
Discord has launched its controversial age verification system, months after an initial delay due to backlash. The updated system offers more privacy-preserving options, including non-biometric methods like credit card input or app store age ratings, aiming to comply with expanding age assurance laws globally while protecting teen users.
Discord re-introduces age verification policy based on 'account signal' methodology
Discord is re-implementing its age verification policy using an "account signal" methodology and offering more verification options beyond face scans or ID submissions. The company aims for a more transparent approach after its initial attempt faced criticism for unclear communication and user concerns. This relaunch occurs amidst ongoing lawsuits alleging the platform inadequately protects children.
After co-founder apology, Discord rolls out "rightfully" controversial age verification system anyway:…
Discord has implemented its controversial age verification system, which categorizes users into adult, teen, or unconfirmed groups based on account activity. Despite apologies and user concerns about data privacy, co-founder Stanislav Vishnevskiy stated the system is necessary due to expanding global legislation. While most users won't be asked to confirm their age, options like ID scans, credit card information, or app store data are available for verification.
Discord is officially rolling out its retooled and ‘privacy-preserving’ age verification starting today
Discord is officially rolling out its new age verification system, which it describes as a "privacy-preserving approach." The system uses multiple account signals to determine age groups, with additional verification options available that do not require government ID. Despite promises of improved privacy, the move has faced criticism and calls for subscription cancellations due to past data security concerns.
Discord revamps age verification checks - here's what it means for the UK
Discord has relaunched age verification checks globally, introducing new methods beyond selfies or ID scans, such as using Apple App Store, Google Wallet, or credit cards. While many users worldwide may not be asked to verify, the UK's Online Safety Act necessitates stricter measures for UK accounts, requiring age proof to access age-restricted servers and content. Failure to verify will not prevent basic communication or participation in non-restricted servers.
Discord re-launches age verification following backlash over privacy concerns
Discord has re-launched its age verification process, now offering alternative methods like credit cards, app store purchases, and AgeKey, instead of requiring video selfies or ID. This change comes after backlash over privacy concerns and aims to comply with potential future laws while prioritizing user privacy.
Where can Australians buy R18+ PC games without a credit card? Pretty much everywhere but Steam
Valve's new age verification policy for R18+ PC games on Steam in Australia requires users to provide a credit card, a method not commonly used by Australians. This has caused frustration among players and confusion for banks, as alternative verification methods have not been offered. Players are advised to purchase games from third-party sellers like Fanatical and Green Man Gaming, though not all R18+ titles are available there.
European Union’s KIDS Act wants more age verification and less login bonuses for online games
The European Union is proposing the KIDS Act, a draft law aimed at regulating online games and other digital services to protect minors. The act seeks to implement stricter age verification, discourage excessive playtime through measures like limiting login bonuses, and enhance parental controls. It also aims to provide transparency regarding the real monetary value of in-game transactions and virtual currencies.
Single player games might require age verification if they use Steam under EU Kids Act's current draft, according to MEP's senior policy adviser
A draft of the EU Kids Act proposes mandatory age verification for users accessing online platforms, which could impact single-player games distributed or updated via platforms like Steam. While the legislation is still a proposal, its current broad definition of 'online games' has raised concerns among industry advocates about its potential reach.
European Commission's proposed EU Kids Act could see online games forced to enact stricter age verification amid new rules around accounts for under 15s
The European Commission is proposing the EU Kids Act, which would mandate stricter age verification for online games and other digital services for users under 15. The legislation aims to protect minors from exploitation by requiring tiered account systems and parental controls, though concerns about data protection and anonymity remain.
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
Steam now requires Australian gamers to verify their age with something most don’t use – a credit card
Valve has implemented a new age verification policy for Australian gamers on Steam, requiring users to use a credit card to access R 18+ rated games. This move, intended to comply with Australia's Online Safety Act, has drawn significant criticism from users who lack credit cards or find the requirement inconvenient and overly restrictive.
Valve locks Australian Steam users out of age-restricted store pages if they don't have a credit card, even if…
Valve has implemented a new age verification policy on Steam for Australian users, requiring a credit card to access age-restricted content. This change, driven by the Australian government's Online Safety Act 2021, prevents users without a credit card from viewing games rated MA15+ or R18+, causing frustration among users who do not commonly use credit cards or have disabilities.
