Discord ID Verification Threatens NSFW Servers

DON'T IGNORE THIS PING

very important update regarding the future of the goon garden

hi everyone, we have some serious stuff to talk about regarding the future of this community and discord as a platform.

in march, discord is rolling out a massive update that's going to change everything. they're moving all users to a default "teen mode," and you'll have to go through a verification process to access adult settings. "high risk" or 18+ nsfw servers like ours will become inaccessible without verification. they're claiming an ai will "guess" your age, but for nsfw spaces, they're still going to require verification. since a lot of you use throwaways or side accounts here, it's fair to assume those accounts won't have the history to pass an ai test anyway.

why this is dangerous

i am personally 100% against this verification. we've already seen data leaks from the rollouts in the UK and australia. this system is not guaranteed safe, and once your private data is out there, you can never take it back.

uploading your id or face scan creates a permanent link between your real-life identity and your activity in nsfw spaces. if discord or their third-party verification partners ever have a breach, your legal name, home address, and face could be leaked alongside your most private messages and interests. IT COULD AFFECT YOUR REAL LIFE. i've personally dealt with harassment and people trying to use my info against me before, and the thought of my real name or ID being linked to my account is really scary. just think, nsfw profiles with usernames like "sissyslut" or "gooner" attached to peoples real names and sensitive information. this is a massive privacy nightmare. i don't want anyone here to risk their safety. no set of features is worth your real-world identity being leaked or sold.

our plan: a new home

there's a real chance this server could die overnight once the update hits. because of that, we're working day and night to set up an alternative on a different platform. it's not set in stone yet, but we're committed to giving the goon community a place where we can be adults and have fun without a company over our shoulders.

discord has gone public and is looking at the stock market now; they're becoming greedier and they don't want communities like ours anymore. they aren't going to look out for us, so we have to look out for each other.

the alternative platform we choose might feel a bit different at first and might not have every single bell and whistle discord has right now, but it will grow. this is a chance to be part of something new from the ground up where privacy actually matters.

how you can help

if you have experience with discord alternatives like revolt/stoat, or if you just want to help us build this new home, please dm @barata or open a ticket in #🆘︱speak-to-a-mod

even if you are a mod from another server and aren't keen on verification and want a new project, we can welcome you! we will always have opportunities here to express your creativity and bring ideas and suggestions.

we love this space and this community. keep an eye out for updates soon. we're most likely moving home, and we want all of you there with us.