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DARK SECRETS: 4 - The Real Truth

Age verification online can be done safely and privately. Here’s how

Online chat service Discord has announced it will begin testing age verification for some users, joining a growing list of platforms trying to work out who is actually behind the screen.

The Conversation

'It’s not too far-fetched to believe that companies like Discord could share this data with state or federal agencies - in the US or elsewhere - for their benefit' — users overload yet another Discord alternative's servers as they flee ID checks

'It’s not too far-fetched to believe that companies like Discord could share this data with state or federal agencies - in the US or elsewhere - for their benefit' — users overload yet another Discord alternative's servers as they flee ID checks

Discord’s age verification backlash continues as fleeing users overload the servers of yet another platform.

Discord competitor experiencing "incredible surge of new users" following the leading chat platform's controversial age verification announcement: "Hosting capacity has been reached in many regions"

Discord competitor experiencing "incredible surge of new users" following the leading chat platform's controversial age verification announcement: "Hosting capacity has been reached in many regions"

"Thank you for your patience as we scale to meet the growing demand!"

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US Department of Homeland Security has reportedly demanded personal information about ICE's critics from Discord, Reddit, Google, and Meta—and at least 3 of those platforms have complied

DHS has issued hundreds of subpoenas to major online platforms to obtain the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of accountholders who criticize ICE.

TeamSpeak claims an 'incredible surge of new users' has maxed out its hosting capacity in multiple regions as many would-be voice chatters seek a Discord alternative

I just explored 30 years of the internet with Opera Web Rewind — and it reminded me what browsing felt like before AI slop

In honor of the Opera browser turning thirty, the company has set up an internet time machine named “Opera Web Rewind,” and it truly got me right in my feelings for a good long while.

So many Discord users are flocking to this alternative platform that it keeps crashing

Discord users are so keen to escape age verification plans that they're in danger of suffocating alternative platforms.

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New Discord age verification system and filters will rely on oversight from mix of "AI validation and human review," because that always works

New Discord age verification system and filters will rely on oversight from mix of "AI validation and human review," because that always works

Discord will decide which servers to age-gate 'with a combination of automated detection with AI validation and human review'

Discord will decide which servers to age-gate 'with a combination of automated detection with AI validation and human review'

What could possibly go wrong?

'They can never kill emulation': Players vexed as Nintendo continues its siege on Switch emulation, handing DMCAs to various emulators on GitHub

'They can never kill emulation': Players vexed as Nintendo continues its siege on Switch emulation, handing DMCAs to various emulators on GitHub

It might be time to back up some files.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech news stories from Claude showing up ChatGPT to Samsung teasing its Galaxy S26 smartphones

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech news stories from Claude showing up ChatGPT to Samsung teasing its Galaxy S26 smartphones

The week's biggest tech news stories from Anthropic, Sony, Apple, and more for February 14, 2026.

Oh, good: Discord's age verification rollout has ties to Palantir co-founder and panopticon architect Peter Thiel

Oh, good: Discord's age verification rollout has ties to Palantir co-founder and panopticon architect Peter Thiel

Discord is "experimenting" with an age authentication vendor whose major investors include Thiel's Founders Fund.

'There's no reason for Discord to comply in advance' with social media age verification laws instead of 'fighting for their users' says EFF expert

'There's no reason for Discord to comply in advance' with social media age verification laws instead of 'fighting for their users' says EFF expert

Discord's plan to require face scans or ID verification is capitulation to overbearing legislation that's still far from universal.

Following Discord's suit, OpenAI will also predict your age based on your usage to know if it should ID you at the digital door

Following Discord's suit, OpenAI will also predict your age based on your usage to know if it should ID you at the digital door

How much does ChatGPT know about you?

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I've tested 3 free Discord alternatives in a desperate attempt not to offer up my personal data just to talk to my favorite weirdos

Yes, my Mum knows I'm here.

"It's not coming this weekend": Marathon isn't getting a surprise preview drop just yet, Bungie confirms, but you will see the Destiny 2 studio's new shooter at State of Play

Sony says it was "very confident" in the new shooter

'Roblox Rogue Piece' Codes February 2026: Rule Over This Bandit-Beater Game Through Your Character

"Rogue Piece" February 2026 codes unlock free Gems and Cash. Redeem them now to power up faster before these limited-time "Roblox" rewards expire.

Operation Sports

Discord Defends Age Verification System, Says Facial Scans Stay On-Device

Discord is doubling down on its controversial new system.

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Someone has already made a free in-browser 3D model to bypass Discord age verification that 'works on any potato computer'

That's one way to get around it.

Discord clarifies it 'is not requiring everyone to complete a face scan or upload an ID' and will 'confirm your age group using information we already have'

That can only be good news, I assume?

“The vast majority of people can continue using Discord exactly as they do today”: Discord addresses backlash over controversial age verification

Discord has detailed how its new age verification system will work and the likely impact it will have on general users.

Discord tries to ‘share clarity’ on disastrous age verification plans amid mass cancellations, but safe to say it’s not helping — it’s getting thoroughly community noted

Discord has updated its press release regarding its March age verification plans, and it's not sitting well with users.

Discord raises more questions while attempting to quell age verification fury by saying an AI model can look at "patterns of user behavior" to predict how old many folks are anyway

Plus, its "dedicated age assurance vendors" weren't involved in last year's third-party data breach

Discord, we all know this isn't really about 'creating a safer community', so I'm done with your app — but I'm not sure where to go next

Discord, you’re forcing me to leave after 8 happy years — but these alternatives really need to step up their game.

Windows Central

"Discord alternatives" searches jump 10,000% overnight as the gaming platform introduces global age verification — Is a total collapse imminent?

Searches for "Discord alternatives" jumped by 10,000% following the company's announcement of planned global age verification, and Stoat seems to be the top option.

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