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What's the point of switching to Discord alternatives, if they're going to be subject to the same age verification laws? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by SnoringEarthworm@sh.itjust.works to c/opensource@programming.dev
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I know Discord is enshittifying and I'm all for switching to open source instead.

But everyone's reason for leaving seems to be:

"Discord wants my ID for age verification and I don't like that."

And the new apps will be subject to the exact same laws.

Are users just not realizing that (and therefore in for a rude awakening), or am I missing something?

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[-] Auster@thebrainbin.org 8 points 4 days ago

Discord being a bigger company, I'd think the switch just for this reason could be seen as a protest which should help pressure them into pressuring relevant parties. Though I agree people should also pressure their politicians directly too.

And there's also the possibility people were already annoyed at the platform for multiple reasons and the facial recording situation was the breaking point, giving a broader message to it.

[-] illi@piefed.social 2 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Discord being a bigger company, I'd think the switch just for this reason could be seen as a protest which should help pressure them into pressuring relevant parties. Though I agree people should also pressure their politicians directly too.

If by the bolded "them" you mean Discord... they are not doing this because laws. Those apply in some countries only. Unless you want to argue they are preparing for more countries implementing this.

They (Discord) will not pressure anyone because this is something they want to do.

[-] Auster@thebrainbin.org 4 points 4 days ago

Them = Discord indeed

And if it's their intention and not from others, them I think the second paragraph still stands.

this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2026
69 points (89.7% liked)

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