Discord is launching Teen Safety Assist, an initiative designed to enhance the safety of younger users on its platform. The company has outlined a series of safety features that will be automatically enabled for teenage accounts starting next week. These features aim to provide a safer and more secure environment for young users.
One of the key features involves automatically blurring sensitive or inappropriate images that are shared with teenage users on the platform. This step is reminiscent of Apple’s efforts to blur inappropriate photo messages sent to children, which were introduced in 2021.
In addition to image blurring, Discord will implement a system that sends alerts to teenagers when they receive messages from new senders. These alerts will prompt users to review the messages and decide whether they want to reply or block the sender.
With over 150 million monthly users on Discord, a significant portion falls into the 16-24 age group, accounting for 22% of the user base. While the platform’s minimum age requirement is 13, it has found popularity among older users in their 20s and 30s.
Teen Safety Assist also includes a warning system for users who violate Discord’s rules. When a user breaks a rule, they will receive a message explaining which rule was violated and whether it constitutes a warning or a violation. This approach aims to educate users about the platform’s rules and encourage better digital citizenship. However, these warnings are only applicable for specific rule violations, as Discord maintains a zero-tolerance policy for violent extremism and any content that sexualizes children.
Discord has established a Safety News Hub to keep users informed about new safety, privacy, and policy initiatives. The company’s mission centers around creating a safer online environment, and approximately 15% of its employees are dedicated to safety-related initiatives.
These steps reflect Discord’s commitment to fostering a secure and welcoming space for young users, ensuring their experience on the platform is both enjoyable and protective.
