Microsoft Launches Xbox Age Verification in the UK: What You Need to Know!

Microsoft is getting ready to follow the UK’s Online Safety Act by introducing age verification for Xbox players. Starting today, players in the UK who say they’re over 18 will see prompts to verify their age when they log into their accounts. This is just the first step; Microsoft plans to expand similar tools to other countries soon.

For the age verification process in the UK, Microsoft has teamed up with Yoti, a trusted identification service. Right now, verifying your age is optional. However, it will become mandatory in early 2026, when new parts of the Online Safety Act take effect. This law aims to make online spaces safer, especially for younger users.

Kim Kunes, Microsoft’s Vice President of Gaming Trust and Safety, explained that after the new year, players in the UK must complete age verification to keep full access to social features like voice chat, text communication, and game invitations. If they don’t verify their age, these features will be limited to friends only until the verification is done.

It’s important to note that this verification won’t affect players’ past purchases, game histories, or achievements. However, Kunes encourages users to verify their age now to ensure they have uninterrupted access to all social features later on.

While the focus is currently on UK players, Kunes mentioned that Microsoft expects to roll out similar age verification methods in other regions in the future. Although specific locations and methods haven’t been disclosed yet, they may differ depending on local regulations and needs.

For UK users looking to verify their age, they can do so online. Verification options include taking a selfie, scanning an ID, checking a credit card, or using a mobile phone number.

In today’s digital world, keeping online spaces safe is crucial. According to recent surveys, 60% of parents worry about their children’s safety while gaming. By initiating age verification, Microsoft aims to address these concerns and enhance the overall gaming experience.

Increasing demand for age verification is evident across platforms. Many users on social media are discussing the balance between safety and privacy, reflecting a wider trend in digital accountability.

For more information on the UK’s Online Safety Act, check out Ofcom.

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