Discord Face Scan — How Discord Scan Really Works
Last updated: February 2026. Discord scan policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements.
Discord scan is the facial recognition age verification system that Discord uses to verify user ages. When discord scan activates, you are prompted to take a selfie that is analyzed by Yoti AI technology. This page explains everything you need to know about how discord scan works and what happens to your biometric data.
What Is Discord Scan?
Discord scan is Discord's implementation of facial age estimation technology, powered by Yoti. When you try to access age-restricted content or channels, discord scan may require you to submit a selfie. The AI analyzes your facial features — bone structure, skin texture, and proportions — to estimate whether you are over 18 or 13, depending on the content restrictions.
How Discord Scan Processes Your Face
- Discord scan prompts you with a camera screen when you attempt to access restricted content
- You take a selfie, which is captured by your device camera
- The image is transmitted to Yoti's servers for AI-based age estimation
- Yoti's facial analysis AI processes the image and returns an age estimate
- Discord scan uses this estimate to grant or deny access
- Yoti claims the image is deleted after processing (unverified by independent audit)
Discord Scan Privacy Risks
Discord scan raises serious privacy concerns that every user should understand:
- Biometric data transmission: Your facial data leaves your device and travels to third-party servers
- No independent audit: No third party has verified that discord scan images are truly deleted
- Irreversible data: Unlike passwords, you cannot change your face if discord scan data is breached
- Third-party processing: Yoti, not Discord, handles your biometric data
- Government access: Discord scan data could potentially be subpoenaed by authorities
- Expanding requirements: More countries are mandating discord scan verification
Who Is Yoti?
Yoti is a UK-based digital identity company that provides the facial age estimation technology behind discord scan. Founded in 2014, Yoti claims their AI can estimate age from a selfie without storing the image permanently. However, as a third-party processor, Yoti adds an additional layer of data handling between you and Discord, creating more potential vulnerability points.
Countries Where Discord Scan Is Required
| Country/Region | Regulation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Online Safety Act | Mandatory |
| European Union | Digital Services Act | Mandatory |
| Australia | Online Safety Act | Mandatory |
| South Korea | Age Verification Law | Mandatory |
| United States | No federal mandate | Not Required |
| Canada | No mandate yet | Not Required |
How to Protect Yourself from Discord Scan
The most effective way to avoid discord scan is using a VPN to connect from a region where face verification is not enforced. Check our detailed guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does discord scan store my photo permanently?
Discord and Yoti claim that your selfie is deleted immediately after the age estimation is complete. However, no independent audit has verified this claim, and metadata from the discord scan process may be retained.
Can I refuse discord scan?
In countries where discord scan is mandatory, refusing means you cannot access age-restricted content. There is no alternative verification method offered. Using a VPN to appear in a non-mandatory region is the primary workaround.
Is discord scan accurate?
Yoti claims their age estimation is accurate within a few years for most demographics. However, accuracy varies by ethnicity, lighting conditions, and image quality. False rejections do occur, particularly for younger-looking adults.