Prominent Developer Urges Discord to Choose Bitcoin Payments Over ID Submission

▲ Bitcoin (BTC), privacy, surveillance, security / ChatGPT-generated image

Bitcoin (BTC) developer Peter Todd has strongly urged the adoption of Bitcoin payments as an alternative to prevent privacy violations, opposing global messenger platform Discord’s strict age verification policy.

According to cryptocurrency-focused media outlet U.Today on February 25 (local time), Todd criticized Discord’s recently proposed global age assurance policy, arguing that it seriously infringes on users’ privacy. He asserted that instead of yielding to government pressure and forcing users to submit identification documents, Discord should adopt Bitcoin to build an independent payment and verification ecosystem. Through his X (formerly Twitter) account, Todd emphasized that “Discord does not need to tremble at threats of being blocked by the UK or Australian governments, and there is no reason to unconditionally comply with government coercion in a globally connected internet environment.”

Discord recently announced the introduction of a sweeping age verification system to comply with new laws in certain countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Brazil. Rumors have spread that all users would be required to submit facial scans and government-issued identification to continue using the service, sparking strong backlash from users worldwide. By utilizing Bitcoin, payments and verification could be conducted without going through the complex Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures of traditional financial systems, potentially offering a technical alternative that allows users to access services without exposing their identities.

In 2021, Discord previously considered integrating with the virtual asset wallet MetaMask but withdrew the plan after facing strong opposition from users, including threats to cancel paid Nitro subscriptions. A screenshot of crypto integration shared by CEO Jason Citron at the time was deleted within days, and Discord has since taken a cautious stance toward virtual asset adoption. However, amid the current age verification controversy, with privacy protection emerging as a core value, discussions about adopting Bitcoin are once again resurfacing.

Within the digital asset industry, there is a growing view that Bitcoin should be used not merely as an investment asset but as a tool to protect individual freedom and privacy. Todd pointed out that instead of taking the easy route of ID verification, Discord should pursue technological innovation to safeguard users’ rights. Although Discord has attempted to calm concerns by stating that about 90% of users will not require verification, distrust over personal data collection has not easily subsided.

Ultimately, Discord stands at a critical crossroads between complying with government regulations and protecting user privacy. The adoption of Bitcoin, as proposed by Peter Todd, could provide a practical solution for maintaining a platform free from government censorship and control. As global IT companies face mounting pressure from regulators, the world is watching closely to see whether Bitcoin can take root within Discord as the last bastion of digital sovereignty and privacy.

Disclaimer: This article is for investment reference only, and no responsibility is taken for investment losses based on it. The content should be interpreted solely for informational purposes.