Discord’s Global Age Verification Plan Is Already Pushing Users to Cancel Nitro Subscriptions

Starting in March, Discord plans to roll out age checks globally, expanding a system that was previously limited to users in regions like the UK and Australia. What was once a decision linked to local regulations is now becoming a platform-wide requirement. Now, that decision is drawing critism from Discord users.

As reported by TheGamer, Discord users have begun cancelling their Nitro subscriptions in protest, openly saying that the upcoming age verification policy is the reason. Screenshots of cancelled memberships is being widely shared across social platforms.

Those protesting against Discord’s decision say that privacy is their real concern, even though Discord says the verification process won’t store personal data, claiming selfies won’t leave users’ devices, and submitted information won’t be retained. But many users aren’t trusting the company’s word, especially after it was shaken last year when a third-party provider used for age checks was breached, reportedly exposing verification data belonging to tens of thousands of users.

For long-time users, especially paying subscribers, the idea of handing over sensitive data to prove their age feels like a line being crossed. On top of that, users are also wary of Discord’s plan to estimate users’ ages using existing account data.

According to the company, behavioral patterns may be used as an initial signal before prompting verification. All that said, it will be interesting to see whether subscription cancellations and public pressure are enough to force a rethink remains unclear.

What do you think of age verification check in Discord? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the commets below.