Age Verification
Ongoing coverage on Age Verification.
Latest coverage
Stop Killing Games says age verification laws make game preservation ‘harder or even impossible’
The Stop Killing Games movement argues that age verification laws will make game preservation more difficult or impossible, particularly for fan-run servers. They contend that these laws create new gatekeepers and collect sensitive data without addressing root causes of online harm. Separately, the Entertainment Software Association opposes a California bill requiring advance notice for online game service closures, stating it could hinder new game development.
"It is frustrating to see policymakers suddenly claim everything is 'for our safety'" - Stop Killing Games joins pushback against age verification laws
Stop Killing Games is joining the pushback against new age verification laws, arguing they are complex to implement and could harm game preservation efforts. Founder Ross Scott stated that these laws could make distributions of Linux illegal in California and have already led to the shutdown of the game Urban Dead. The organization believes these laws do not address the root causes of online harm and disproportionately affect community projects.
Pornhub is unblocking UK users who verify their age with Apple
Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, has announced that UK users who verify their age using Apple's iOS system will regain full access to the website. This policy change aims to address age verification concerns while allowing access for verified users.
Meta is using AI bone structure analysis to detect and remove underaged users
Meta is implementing an AI system that analyzes bone structure to detect and remove underage users from its platforms. This technology is being expanded to Facebook's user base to enhance its existing teen account detection systems.
'I did catch my son using an eyebrow pencil to draw a moustache on his face, and it verified him as 15 years old': New report details the effects of the Online Safety Act thus far
A new report from Internet Matters indicates that children are finding creative ways to bypass the UK's Online Safety Act age verification measures, with some using makeup to appear older. Despite these bypasses, a majority of children desire improved blocking and reporting systems. The report also highlights parental support for a potential ban on social media for under-16s, similar to Australia's recent legislation.
Evening Safety Dance
A report from The Register highlights how children can circumvent online age verification systems using simple methods like drawing on a mustache. This raises concerns about online safety and the effectiveness of current age-checking measures.
Roblox Q1 2026: Revenues rise ahead of age-gating and ‘short-term bookings headwinds’ forecast
Roblox reported a 39% year-over-year revenue increase to $1.4 billion for Q1 2026, alongside growth in daily active users and total hours engaged, despite a consolidated net loss of $248 million. CEO David Baszucki anticipates short-term financial headwinds due to new age verification and chat limits, leading to revised full-year guidance.
A Utah age verification law targeting VPN users goes into effect this week
Utah's Senate Bill 73, an online age verification law targeting VPN users, goes into effect on May 6. This legislation makes Utah the first US state with such specific laws, requiring websites with content harmful to minors to verify user ages, even if users attempt to bypass it using a VPN.
Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approves AI chatbot age verification
The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a measure requiring age verification for AI chatbots. This rare bipartisan agreement signals a significant step towards regulating AI technologies and protecting younger users.
Steam Users Slam Credit Card Requirements for Age Verification | HappyGamer
Steam users are expressing frustration with the platform's age verification system, particularly when changing payment methods. Many long-time users with accounts dating back to 2005 feel arbitrarily subjected to re-verification when switching from credit to debit cards. The article suggests Valve should implement more modern and user-friendly solutions, such as grandfathering in long-standing accounts or integrating with modern identity verification services.
Nintendo Takes A Hit With Class Action Lawsuit While Gaming Giants Make Major Moves
Nintendo is facing a class action lawsuit from gamers seeking refunds for U.S. tariffs on hardware. Meanwhile, Sony Interactive Entertainment is implementing new age verification for communication features. Separately, Clair Obscur E33 has sold 8 million copies, and Avalanche Studios is hiring for an unannounced AAA open-world project.
'No stability fixes? Is this even an update?' — New PS5 software update is a big one, adding... more…
Sony has released a new PlayStation 5 software update, version 26.03-13.20.00, which adds more emoji reactions for messages and improves usability. Players expressed disappointment, hoping for stability fixes instead. The update also ties into Sony's new age verification system rolling out in the UK and Ireland, which will become mandatory in June 2026 for access to communication features.
Evening Metaverse
The CEO of Proton argues that implementing age verification measures online would transform the internet into an identity checkpoint. This approach raises concerns about user privacy and the potential for increased surveillance.
PlayStation users are now being asked for age verification in the UK and Ireland, or risk losing access to communication…
Sony Interactive Entertainment has begun rolling out mandatory age verification for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland as part of the UK's Online Safety Act. Users who do not verify their age by June 2026 risk losing access to communication features like messaging and voice chat. This process, which uses Yoti for verification, is also being implemented by Microsoft for Xbox users.
PlayStation Voice And Text Chat Will Require Age Restriction Later This Year
Sony Interactive Entertainment will require age verification later this year for users to continue using PlayStation's text and voice chat features. This measure aims to ensure safe, age-appropriate experiences while respecting privacy. Players will still be able to access games, trophies, and the PlayStation Store without verification.
Sony Demands Your Face to Play: PlayStation Age Verification Begins
Sony is implementing mandatory age verification for certain PlayStation features, requiring users to submit facial scans or upload government IDs via the Yoti service. This move is in response to global regulatory pressure for age verification laws aimed at protecting younger users. The policy shift raises significant privacy concerns among advocates and marks an end to digital anonymity on the platform.
Colorado Age Attestation bill gets amendments to have open source excluded
System76 Founder and CEO Carl Richell provided an update on the Colorado Age Attestation bill, announcing amendments that exclude open-source operating systems and applications, code repositories, and containers. Richell is seeking stories from the open-source community about positive contributions made by children to aid in the bill's passage and potentially serve as a template for similar legislation in other states.
Security researchers hacked the demo version of the European Commission's new age verification app in less than two…
Security researchers have reportedly bypassed the demo version of the European Commission's new age verification app in under two minutes by exploiting a PIN reset vulnerability. While the Commission states the exploit is limited to the demo and the final version will be secure, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about data security and the ease of bypassing age estimation services.
PS5 Owners Outraged After Being Told They Could Lose Features
Sony is requiring PlayStation 5 owners in some countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, to verify their age or risk losing access to communication features like messaging and voice chat. The process, which involves photo-based biometric verification through a partner company called Yoti, has been criticized for being intrusive and problematic, with users reporting significant difficulties and frustration.
Sony rolls out age verification for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland
Sony is implementing age verification for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland to comply with new local laws, including the UK's Online Safety Act. Account holders will need to verify their identity through methods like facial scans or ID submission to retain access to communication features such as messages and voice chat. Failure to verify by June 2026 will restrict access to these features and some third-party services, though users can still access the PlayStation Store and play games.
