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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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[-] ambitiousslab@feddit.uk 23 points 4 days ago

Many very small services will just not bother with compliance. And the risk of enforcement on them might be low.

If you use a federated alternative, you can switch to a server that doesn't bother with compliance without losing your contacts.

Many of the laws don't specify how the age check should be done. There are more privacy-friendly ways to comply, like running a server for your friends or family and already knowing they're over 18.

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

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