Discord Announces Global Teen-by-Default Rollout in March

Discord announced on February 9 that it will implement a "Teen by Default" experience for all users worldwide starting in early March, shifting accounts to age-appropriate settings unless individuals verify they are adults. The change, part of a phased global rollout for both new and existing users, aims to enhance safety for younger audiences by restricting access to sensitive content and features without compromising the platform's core functions like community connections and private messaging.

Under the new system, users who do not complete age verification will face several limitations designed to protect teens. Sensitive content, such as blurred images or media, will remain filtered, and access to age-gated servers, channels, and app commands will be blocked. Direct messages from unfamiliar users will route to a separate inbox, with the option to modify this setting available only to verified adults. Friend requests from unknown contacts will trigger warning prompts, and speaking privileges on server stages will be reserved for those confirmed as adults. Basic features, including voice and text chat in safe environments, will remain available, but the overall experience...