Age Verification
Ongoing coverage on Age Verification.
Latest coverage
GTA 6 needs a driver’s licence to play in Australia and the UK could be the same
Australia's age verification laws may require players to use a driver's license to play Grand Theft Auto 6, a policy that could also be implemented in the UK. Rockstar Games must comply with these regulations or face significant fines. While an official age rating is pending, a PlayStation email indicated an M rating in the US, suggesting an 18 rating in the UK and R18 in Australia.
GTA 6 faces potential $35 million fine if Rockstar doesn't comply with online safety laws that mean Australians…
Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 may face potential fines of up to $35 million in Australia if it does not comply with the country's online safety laws requiring age verification for adult-rated content. Similar to Grand Theft Auto 5, the upcoming title is expected to receive an M or 18+ rating, necessitating ID checks for access, particularly for its online component. Failure to implement these measures could result in significant penalties under Australian legislation.
'Not once have we been asked to verify our age': Study suggests companies falling under Australia's under-16 social media ban are failing to verify accounts
A recent study suggests that social media companies are failing to enforce Australia's ban on users under 16, with many platforms not verifying account ages. Testers found that nine out of ten services, including Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube, did not ask for proof of age. Only Kick reportedly implemented age verification measures.
The KIDS bill moving through Congress prompts concerns about stifled speech and intrusive age verification
The Kids Internet and Digital Safety Act (KIDS Act) has passed the House of Representatives, proposing new regulations for online video games concerning child safety and communication. Opponents raise concerns about mandatory age verification, potential stifling of free speech, and the removal of a 'duty of care' provision, despite the bill's stated aim of protecting minors.
Australia's social media ban may not be that effective, study finds
A recent study suggests that Australia's social media ban has been largely ineffective due to its reliance on self-declared age verification checks. The findings indicate that the current system is not adequately preventing underage access to social media platforms.
'Many people want to use VPNs for privacy—that is important—but we know that some children use them to get around restrictions': UK government considering VPN ban
The UK government is considering new restrictions on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), potentially banning their use for individuals under 16 to prevent them from bypassing age verification checks on social media. While acknowledging the privacy benefits of VPNs for adults, the government is researching their use by children to circumvent online restrictions. Further statements on potential VPN regulations are expected in July.
Roblox Select Releases Globally: All Safety Details
Roblox Select has launched globally, introducing age-appropriate access to games and features alongside Roblox Kids. The platform now uses age-check systems to place users into applicable experiences and has implemented new chat safety features. Users must complete age verification to chat, with different account types (Roblox Kids, Roblox Select, Roblox) assigned based on age and verification status, all supported by enhanced parental controls.
White House takes aim at internet anonymity while stripping states of power
The Trump administration is reportedly negotiating with senators to advance bills that could impact internet anonymity and online privacy, including the Kids Online Safety Act and the NO FAKES Act. The administration also aims to implement age-verification mandates and establish federal precedent for regulating AI data centers, potentially overriding state-level control.
Roblox needs to protect children, so its rollout of Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts is welcome
Roblox has launched new age-based account types, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select, globally to enhance child safety. These accounts implement stricter communication limits and improved parental controls tailored to different age groups, with features evolving as users turn 16. The move aims to create more age-appropriate experiences on the platform, despite some controversy surrounding the third-party age verification vendor.
Social media is awful but the UK under-16 ban won't solve anything: 'Instead of punishing children, the…
The UK government's proposed ban on social media access for under-16s is criticized by multiple writers as an ineffective and misguided policy. They argue that such bans are easily circumvented, push children to less safe platforms, and fail to address the root causes of social media's negative impacts. Instead, the focus should be on holding tech companies accountable and improving platform regulation and parental guidance.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer targets online gaming in under-16 social media ban
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to ban social media and restrict online gaming features for individuals under 16. The proposed legislation aims to prevent children from communicating with strangers through in-game chat or livestreams, with specific measures to be implemented by game developers and regulated by Ofcom. The government intends to pass these regulations before the end of 2026, with enforcement expected in early 2027.
Google Wallet ID passes will be available in select EU states this summer
Google Wallet will begin offering digital identification passes in select European countries this summer. The company is also implementing a new age verification system in collaboration with a European bank.
Apple begins requiring age verification for App Store use in Texas
Apple will begin requiring age verification for App Store use in Texas starting tomorrow, in compliance with a new state law governing app usage by minors. This policy change affects how users in Texas interact with and download applications.
Brazilian players can no longer play SWTOR without submitting to an intrusive age verification process
Electronic Arts and Broadsword are implementing a new age verification process for Star Wars: The Old Republic players in Brazil to comply with the Digital ECA Law. Starting May 28th, Brazilian players must verify their age on the SWTOR website to continue playing or making purchases. Players using Steam will also need to complete this verification through the official website.
Linux and open source getting age checking exemptions could be problematic
Exemptions for age-checking laws in operating systems could create significant problems for Linux and open-source software. While intended to protect users, these laws may lead to services and applications blocking Linux users entirely due to implementation hurdles and the fragmented nature of the Linux desktop. This adds to existing issues like DRM and anti-cheat compatibility, potentially hindering user adoption.
Colorado and California age verification bills exempt open source operating systems
New age verification laws in Colorado and California will exempt open source operating systems and applications. The Colorado bill, effective July 1, 2028, and the California bill, effective January 1, 2027, both include similar exemptions for software distributed under licenses that permit modification and redistribution. This distinction is expected to benefit Linux distributions and devices like the Steam Deck, while proprietary systems like Windows will still be subject to the regulations.
Malaysia's under-16 social media ban goes into effect on June 1
Malaysia has implemented a new policy requiring social networks to adopt age verification methods starting June 1. This measure aims to enhance online safety for younger users.
Pokemon might soon require government ID in Japan to prevent TCG scalping
The Pokemon Company is considering implementing government ID verification, specifically Japan's My Number Card, to combat scalping of its Trading Card Game products. This measure aims to ensure fair access to certain items, official events, and store purchases, starting in August 2026. The initiative is a response to the increasing prevalence of speculative purchasing and reselling, exacerbated by online personalities and limited edition releases.
Discord just made your voice and video calls more private and secure than ever — but age verification privacy…
Discord has implemented end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default for all voice and video calls using its DAVE protocol, enhancing privacy and security. This feature is available across various platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. Despite this security improvement, Discord's controversial age verification plans are still set for implementation later in 2026, and E2EE will not be extended to text messages.
Discord's latest 'year of the Linux desktop' update is a game-changer for Steam Deck, but fans are concerned about its age verification plans
Discord has released a significant update for its Linux client, improving game and screen sharing with hardware-accelerated video encoding support across Nvidia, AMD, and Intel GPUs. This update is particularly beneficial for handheld devices like the Steam Deck. However, users are expressing concern and frustration over Discord's upcoming global age verification plans, overshadowing the technical improvements.
