Discord To Require Government ID, Face Scan To Verify Users' Age After New CEO's Takeover

The era of digital anonymity on one of the world's largest communication platforms is rapidly coming to an end. Discord, a service originally built for gamers that expanded into a global hub for diverse communities, is reportedly preparing to implement some of its most stringent security measures to date.

According to reports, Discord will require users to provide government-issued IDs and a face scan to verify their age, marking a fundamental change in how the platform manages user identity and data privacy. This shift comes shortly after a major leadership change that saw founder Jason Citron step down and Humam Sakhnini take the helm.

New Age Verification Measures

Under a new directive, Discord will soon require its users to submit government-issued identification and undergo biometric face scans to verify their age. This move is designed to address growing pressure from international regulators and safety advocates who have long criticised the platform for perceived oversight shortcomings. The new verification protocol is expected to begin its global rollout in March 2026.

By mandating a physical identity check, Discord aims to eliminate the presence of underage users on adult-oriented servers and combat predatory behaviour across the network. However, the proposal has sparked significant concern regarding the potential for data leaks and the misuse of biometric information. Many users fear that centralising such sensitive data makes the platform a high-value target for sophisticated cybercriminals.

Age verification won't be required for most adult users. Discord's age inference model examines account tenure and activity data to determine age. Check out Discord's announcement here.

Management Shift as Jason Citron Exits

This overhaul of the platform's security landscape follows a major shake-up in the corporate boardroom. Jason Citron, the founder and longtime chief executive who championed Discord as a space for 'belonging', stepped down in 2025, signalling the end of an era for the company that had resisted traditional social media identity models for over a decade.

Citron's decision to exit was reportedly driven by a strategic shift towards aggressive monetisation and the need for a leader with experience in high-stakes corporate governance. This led to the appointment of new CEO Humam Sakhnini, who is tasked with transforming Discord into a more regulated and profitable entity. The transition has not been without controversy, as the community reflects on the favourite servers they might lose due to stricter age gating. The timing of the new ID requirements, coming so soon after the leadership change, has led many to link the policies directly to the new administration.

Who Is Humam Sakhnini: The Record of Discord's New CEO

Humam Sakhnini, Discord's new CEO, arrives with a formidable reputation built at some of the biggest names in the gaming industry. Before taking the helm at Discord, he served as president of King, the mobile gaming giant responsible for the Candy Crush franchise, and as Activision Blizzard's chief financial officer, overseeing large-scale financial operations and strategic acquisitions.

Sakhnini is known for his data-driven approach and his ability to scale digital platforms into highly profitable businesses. His background in finance and operational management suggests Discord will likely move towards more integrated payment systems and specialised advertising models. As an executive with deep ties to the global tech industry, Sakhnini is expected to leverage his experience to handle the increasing demands of digital safety legislation.

The coming months will determine if his vision for a verified, secure Discord can coexist with the platform's traditional community spirit—balancing the demands of investors with a user base famously protective of its privacy.