Fact check: What countries is discord going to check for IDs and face scans in?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Discord is currently implementing ID and face scan verification in two specific countries: the United Kingdom and Australia ^{[1] [2] [3]}. This age verification system is being rolled out as a limited trial rather than a full deployment ^[1].

The verification process requires select users to confirm their age through facial scanning or government-issued ID uploads ^[1] and applies specifically to users who haven't previously verified their age on the platform ^[2]. This implementation appears to be a direct response to local regulatory requirements, particularly the UK's Online Safety Act which mandates age verification for online platforms ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important regulatory context that drives these implementations. The UK has widely implemented age verification requirements, and other countries including those in the European Union are also moving towards age-gated internet policies ^[5]. Additionally, the US has overturned a precedent against age verification, allowing for its implementation in several states ^[5].

This broader regulatory landscape suggests that Discord's current implementation in the UK and Australia may be the beginning of a wider rollout as more jurisdictions implement similar laws ^[6]. The analyses indicate that age verification is becoming "the norm" globally and similar laws worldwide are expected to significantly impact web access ^[6].

Discord benefits from proactive compliance with emerging regulations to avoid potential fines or service restrictions, while regulatory bodies and child safety advocates benefit from platforms implementing these verification systems to protect minors online.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains an implicit assumption that may be misleading. By asking "what countries" Discord is checking IDs and face scans in, it suggests this is happening across multiple countries broadly, when the evidence shows it's currently limited to just two countries: the UK and Australia ^{[1] [2] [3]}.

The question also lacks acknowledgment that this is a trial program ^[1] rather than a permanent, widespread policy. Some users have expressed concerns about data privacy and security regarding these verification methods ^[4], which represents an important perspective missing from the original framing of the question.

The phrasing could inadvertently spread concern about widespread surveillance when the current implementation is actually quite limited in scope and driven by specific legal compliance requirements rather than voluntary corporate surveillance initiatives.