In today's digitally-driven world, fitness app development is more crucial than ever. As the demand for personalized wellness solutions continues to rise, it's essential to prioritize user safety and privacy in the development process. In this article, we'll delve into the latest updates from Discord, a leading communication platform that's taking a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive experience for its users.

Teen-By-Default Settings: A Safer Online Experience

Discord is rolling out teen-by-default settings globally, reinforcing its commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for users over 13 years old. This update includes updated communication settings, restricted access to age-gated spaces, and content filtering that preserves user privacy and meaningful connections.

As part of this rollout, all new and existing users will have a teen-appropriate experience by default, with enhanced protections in place to maintain the platform's safety architecture. Users may be required to engage in an age-verification process to change certain settings or access sensitive content, including age-restricted channels, servers, or commands.

Privacy-Forward Age Assurance

Age assurance is at the core of Discord's new experience, designed to respect users' privacy and choice. Users can choose from various methods, including facial age estimation or submitting a form of identification to vendor partners. Additionally, Discord will implement its age inference model, which runs in the background to determine whether an account belongs to an adult.

Key privacy protections include on-device processing, quick deletion of submitted documents, straightforward verification, and private status updates. Users can always view their assigned age group in "My Account" settings or appeal any inaccuracies by retrying the process.

Default Safety Settings

Starting in early March, all new and existing Discord users globally will be assigned default settings that support age-appropriate experiences while maintaining privacy:

  • Content filters require age-assurance as adults to unblur sensitive content or turn off the setting.
  • Age-gated spaces restrict access to channels, servers, and app commands for non-age-assured adult users.
  • Message request inboxes are routed to a separate inbox by default, with access limited to age-assured adult users.
  • Friend request alerts warn users about requests from unknown individuals.
  • Stage restrictions limit stage speaking privileges to age-assured adults.

Discord's teen-by-default experience has been successfully implemented in the UK and Australia, and this global rollout builds on that approach to deliver consistent, age-appropriate protections worldwide.

The Discord Teen Council: Empowering Teens

Along with enhanced teen safety features, Discord is introducing its inaugural Teen Council, a teen advisory body that brings authentic perspectives into how Discord shapes their experience. The council will consist of 10-12 teens and will help ensure Discord understands what teens need to feel safe and supported online.

By embedding diverse teen perspectives directly into decision-making, the Council will inform future product features, policies, and educational resources, grounding Discord's approach in how teens connect through gaming, shared interests, and online communities. Interested teens aged 13-17 can apply to participate in the Teen Council at the link provided from now until May 1, 2026.

Discord's teen-appropriate experience by default builds on its broader safety ecosystem, which includes tools and resources such as Ignore, Family Center, Teen Safety Assist, Warning System, Guardian's Guide, and more. Together, these efforts reflect Discord's commitment to creating privacy-forward, age-appropriate experiences that empower teens to engage thoughtfully, connect meaningfully, and develop lifelong digital well-being skills.

In conclusion, Discord's latest updates demonstrate a significant step towards prioritizing user safety and privacy in the development process. By embedding teen perspectives into decision-making and implementing robust age-assurance measures, Discord is revolutionizing fitness app development for a healthier tomorrow.