Discord users increasingly migrate to Matrix, with Matrix welcoming Discord users

Discord has announced that it will begin age verification for all users starting in March 2026. In response to this, the Matrix.org Foundation, which operates the decentralized open chat platform

https://matrix.org/blog/2026/02/welcome-discord/

Discord announced a 'new update to provide a safer experience for minors for users aged 13 and over worldwide' on February 9, 2026. Starting in early March of that year, all existing and new users will be treated as minors by default, and will be required to verify their age by face or ID scanning to access age-restricted servers and content.

Discord announces that it will make accounts default settings for minors, requiring age verification by taking a photo of your face or scanning your ID to qualify as an adult - GIGAZINE

According to the Matrix.org Foundation, since Discord's announcement, the number of registrations to its home server, matrix.org, has skyrocketed. 'We are keenly aware that none of the currently available Matrix clients are yet a complete replacement for Discord,' the Foundation said. 'We sincerely welcome the many users who are experimenting with Matrix as an open, decentralized alternative to centralized platforms like Discord.'

The biggest difference between Matrix and Discord is that Matrix is an open standard, like email or the web. Clients and servers are widespread, and anyone is free to run their own server and participate in the global Matrix network. Server administrators should note, however, that they must still comply with the laws of the jurisdiction in which they operate.

The Matrix.org Foundation states, 'This means that individuals and organizations operating open registration Matrix servers must verify the age of their users in countries that require age verification. For example, the UK has enacted mandatory online safety laws, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU have also introduced similar laws, and the US and Canada are also moving to mandate age verification.

The Matrix.org Foundation has unveiled a feature called 'account portability' that would allow users to easily transfer their accounts to another server. Purchasing a premium account on matrix.org with a credit card is also one way to verify your age.

The Matrix.org Foundation said, 'To be clear, public Matrix servers must also comply with age verification laws. However, at least on Matrix, you are free to run your own server. We strongly encourage you to use your own judgment and seek legal advice if necessary.'