Ah, Discord. The platform where gamers, meme lovers, and cat video enthusiasts unite. But as with any good thing, there comes a time when we have to talk about the ‘A’ word: age verification. Yes, folks, Discord is testing age verification using Incode and Google Wallet. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into this potentially game-changing update.
Over 90% of users will never need to verify their age to continue using Discord exactly as they do today. This is powered in part by our internal safety systems, which can already make an age determination for many adult users without any user …
Now, you might be thinking, “Age verification? Isn’t that just a fancy way of saying, ‘Hey, let’s make sure you’re not a 12-year-old trying to join a server dedicated to adult cat memes’?” And you’d be right! But it’s more than just that. In an era where online safety is becoming increasingly important, Discord is attempting to keep its platform safe for users of all ages. Because let’s be honest, nobody wants to stumble upon a server that feels more like a questionable back alley than a friendly chat room.
So, what exactly is this age verification system? According to the rumors circulating on Reddit (and you know how reliable those can be), Discord plans to implement a system that uses Incode, a service that specializes in identity verification, alongside Google Wallet. This means that when you try to join certain servers or access specific features, you might have to verify your age. Forget about just typing in your birthdate and hoping for the best; we’re talking about a more robust system that could actually involve some form of identification.
Now, before you start panicking and thinking about all the ways this could go wrong (hello, hackers!), let’s consider the potential benefits. For starters, this could mean a safer environment for younger users. Discord has been under fire for not doing enough to protect its younger demographic from inappropriate content and predatory behavior. So, if this new system helps to create a safer space, then it’s worth a shot, right?
But here’s where it gets a little sticky. How many of us are really comfortable with sharing our personal information, especially with a platform that has had its fair share of security concerns? Sure, Google Wallet is as mainstream as avocado toast, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to hand over their ID just to join a server about plant care.
And let’s not forget the inevitable chaos that will ensue when users are asked to verify their ages. Picture this: a 13-year-old desperately trying to convince their parents to let them use their ID to join a gaming server. “But Mom, it’s for Fortnite!” Only for Mom to respond with, “I’m not giving my ID so you can talk about skins with a bunch of strangers!”
Now, Discord has stated that they are only testing this feature, which means we might not see it rolled out anytime soon—or at all. But if they do decide to implement it, we can expect a mixed bag of reactions. Some users will embrace it, while others will probably take to Reddit to complain about how it ruins their gaming experience (because, of course, that’s what the internet is all about).
In the end, whether this age verification system is a good idea or not is up for debate. It could very well lead to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved, or it could turn into a bureaucratic nightmare that leaves users feeling frustrated and confused. Either way, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for updates. After all, who doesn’t love a good plot twist in the world of online gaming?
So, what do you think? Is Discord on the right track with this age verification test, or is it just another unnecessary hurdle in our quest for online interaction? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Inspired by: “Discord is testing age verification with Incode and Google Wallet.” (r/technology)