Discord is testing face scanning to verify some users' ages in the UK and Australia. The social platform, which says it has over 200 million monthly users around the world, was initially used by gamers but now has communities on a wide range of topics including pornography. The UK's online safety laws mean platforms with adult content will need to have "robust" age verificationin place by July. And social media expert Matt Navarra told the BBC "this isn't a one-off - it's the start of a bigger shift". "Regulators want real proof, and facial recognition might be the fastest route there," he said. But campaigners have said these types of checks are ineffective and could lead to privacy issues. "Age assurance is becoming the new seatbelt for the internet," said Mr Navarra. "Will it become the norm in the UK? Honestly, yes, probably." He said he believed the incoming changes in online safety laws mean online platforms would beef up their age verification processes. "The era of 'click here to confirm you're 13' is dead," he said. "Get age verification wrong now, and you don't just lose users - you could lose a courtroom battle or incur fines." Firms which do not comply with the Online Safety Act could be fined up to 10% of their global turnover. Instagram previously brought inage checks using facial analysisin 2022 for users who want to change their profile settings to be over 18. The social media company requires users to take a selfie video on their phone and uses AI to estimate the person's age. Like Discord, they can alternatively upload a picture of their photo ID. The US-based platform says the verification - which it describes as "an experiment" - will be a one-time check. It will apply the first time a user comes across content which it has flagged as sensitive, or if they change their settings on viewing sensitive media. Users can either use the face scanner or upload a photo of their ID to confirm their age. It says information used for age checks will not be stored by Discord or the verification company. Face scans will stay on the device and not be collected, and ID uploads will be deleted after the verification is complete,according to the company. Content which is flagged as sensitive is already automatically blocked or blurred for teenagers. Privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch says age check technology "shouldn't be seen as a silver bullet solution". Senior advocacy officer Madeleine Stone says they can pose a risk to users, "including security breaches, privacy intrusion, errors, digital exclusion and censorship". While industry group the Age Verification Providers Association says there is a "wide range of convenient, privacy-preserving methods". Their executive director Iain Corby told the BBC the latest technology can estimate age "within one to two years based on a selfie or how you move your hands". But he also said platforms have a choice on how to use age verification. "They can remove the harmful content altogether, apply age checks to access the whole site, or just check ages before allowing access to high-risk pages and posts," he said. Australia is planning to bring in a social media ban for all under-16s this year. Recent researchfound more than 80% of Australian children aged eight to 12 use social media or messaging services that are only meant to be for over-13s New Jersey attorney general Matthew J. Platkin said on Thursday that his office was suing Discord, alleging the company had misled parents about its safety controls and the risks faced by children on the app. Discord was approached for comment.
Discord's face scanning age checks 'start of a bigger shift'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Discord Tests Facial Recognition for Age Verification Amid Online Safety Law Changes"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Discord, a popular social platform with over 200 million monthly users, is currently testing facial recognition technology to verify the ages of some users in the UK and Australia. This initiative comes in response to the UK's stringent online safety laws, which will require platforms hosting adult content to implement robust age verification mechanisms by July. As the platform has evolved beyond its initial gaming focus to encompass a variety of communities, including those discussing sensitive topics, experts like social media analyst Matt Navarra suggest that this move signals a broader shift in how online platforms manage age verification. Navarra emphasizes that regulators are increasingly demanding legitimate proof of age, and facial recognition could represent the most expedient solution to meet these requirements. He suggests that the era of simple self-reporting for age verification is coming to an end, with non-compliance potentially leading to significant legal repercussions and financial penalties for companies that fail to adapt to these new regulations.
Despite the potential benefits of facial recognition technology, privacy advocates express concerns regarding its effectiveness and the risks associated with its implementation. Campaigners from the privacy group Big Brother Watch highlight issues such as security breaches, privacy violations, and the possibility of errors in age verification, which could lead to digital exclusion or censorship. In contrast, industry representatives like Iain Corby from the Age Verification Providers Association argue that modern technology can accurately estimate a user's age within a year or two based on facial analysis. He notes that platforms have various options for age verification, including restricting access to sensitive content or requiring age checks for the entire site. As Australia plans to introduce a social media ban for users under 16, the landscape of online age verification is evolving rapidly, raising questions about the balance between user safety and privacy rights in the digital space.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an intriguing look into Discord's implementation of facial recognition technology for age verification, highlighting a significant evolution in online safety measures. This move comes in response to stringent regulations in the UK regarding adult content, indicating that platforms must adapt to maintain compliance while protecting younger audiences from inappropriate material.
Regulatory Context and Public Reaction
The new age verification measures reflect a larger trend spurred by regulatory bodies aiming for more robust online safety protocols. Social media expert Matt Navarra emphasizes that such regulations are not isolated incidents but part of a broader shift toward rigorous user verification. However, there is a noticeable tension as privacy advocates raise concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of facial recognition technology. This duality between compliance and user privacy raises important questions about the future of online interactions.
Impact on User Experience
The shift from simple confirmation methods, like "click here to confirm you're 13," to mandatory facial scanning signifies a fundamental change in how platforms will engage with their user bases. As Navarra suggests, failure to comply with these regulations could lead to severe repercussions for companies, including substantial fines. This pressure may cause platforms to prioritize compliance over user experience, potentially alienating segments of their audience.
Broader Implications for Social Media
The implementation of facial recognition in platforms like Discord and Instagram may set a precedent for future social media practices. As more platforms adopt similar verification processes, the landscape of online engagement will inevitably shift, potentially normalizing intrusive verification measures. The article suggests that this trend may receive support from those prioritizing online safety, yet it may also provoke backlash from privacy-conscious users.
Economic and Market Considerations
The implications of these developments extend beyond user experience and privacy concerns; they could potentially impact stock prices and market behavior in technology sectors. Companies failing to adapt to these changes may face financial penalties and loss of user trust, influencing their market performance.
Potential for Manipulation
While the article presents information on the regulatory landscape and user reactions, it might also inadvertently shape public perception of facial recognition technology. The language used could evoke fear or skepticism regarding privacy violations, which could lead to a polarized public opinion. Additionally, by highlighting the urgency of compliance, there may be an underlying push for broader acceptance of invasive technologies. In conclusion, the news surrounding Discord's age verification efforts reflects a crucial transition in online safety protocols. The balance between regulatory compliance and user privacy will be a defining issue in the coming years, influencing not only user experiences but also the operational frameworks of social media companies.