The Polish internet segment in 2026 faced a new reality: the implementation of the "Protection of Minors" law from February 20, 2025, obliged platforms to verify user age. Instead of a simple "I am 18" declaration, the government is promoting the use of mObywatel and biometric scans, raising serious concerns about privacy and the de-anonymization of adult users.
1. Discord Under Fire: Tests Have Already Begun
By January 2026, Discord had already started integrating the verification system in Poland. According to insiders, about 3% of Polish users are randomly selected for test groups where access to NSFW channels or changing media filtering settings requires age confirmation via the k-ID system.
Discord offers two main methods: Face Scan (AI age estimation via face) and ID Scan (uploading a passport or ID card photo). Although the platform claims to delete data after verification, the very fact of linking identity to an account remains the main risk for those wishing to maintain anonymity.
2. Technical Protection: VPN and Geolocation Bypass
Since a Polish IP address triggers the age check, using a VPN remains the most reliable protection method. Changing your virtual location to a country without such laws (e.g., Ireland, Iceland, or the USA) allows you to use Discord and social networks without ID requests.
- IP Masking: A VPN hides your presence in Poland from Discord servers.
- Traffic Encryption: Protects against DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) systems used by Polish providers for monitoring.
- Split Tunneling: Allows routing only Discord traffic through the VPN, keeping the Polish IP for banking apps or local services.
3. DNS Level: NextDNS and Hidden Filters
For those who don't want to keep a VPN on constantly, there are DNS-level solutions. In August 2025, NextDNS added a "Bypass Age Verification" feature. This setting uses DNS proxying to bypass verification scripts on sites requiring identity confirmation, redirecting requests to verification modules through servers in other jurisdictions.
