Discord's face scanning age checks 'start of a bigger shift'

Discord's face scanning age checks 'start of a bigger shift' 46 minutes ago Share Save Imran Rahman-Jones & Chris Vallance Technology reporters Share Save Getty Images 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 have "robust" age verification in 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 ... Read full article.