Discord hack shows risks of online age checks as internet policing hopes put to the test
As the drive for age verification grows, so does the pressure on online companies to keep users' data safe and, as the Discord hack shows, that cannot be guaranteed.
Rowland Manthorpe
Technology correspondent
@rowlsmanthorpe
Friday 10 October 2025 11:29, UK
1:47
Play Video - The first hack of the age verification system
The first hack of the age verification system
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Messaging platform Discord has said the official ID photos of around 70,000 users have been stolen by hackers.
The app, which is popular with gamers and teenagers, said the hackers targeted a firm responsible for verifying the ages of its users. Discord said its own platform was not breached.
The stolen data could include personal information, partial credit card numbers and messages with Discord's customer service agents, the firm said.
No full credit card details, passwords or messages and activity beyond conversations with Discord customer support were leaked, it added.
Discord said it had revoked the third-party service's access and was continuing to investigate. It said all affected users have been contacted.
"Looking ahead, we recommend impacted users stay alert when receiving messages or other communication that may seem suspicious," it said.
Until recently, a hack like this could not have happened, because companies had no need to process and collect proofs of age.