Microsoft has initiated an age verification process for Xbox players in the United Kingdom, aligning with the UK’s Online Safety Act, with prompts appearing upon sign-in for accounts indicating users are over 18 years old.
The company is collaborating with Yoti to facilitate this age verification within the UK. Presently, the verification is optional for users. However, this status will change, as age verification is set to become a mandatory requirement for accessing various Xbox social features by early 2026. This timeframe coincides with the implementation of additional provisions of the UK’s Online Safety Act.
Kim Kunes, Vice President of Gaming Trust and Safety at Xbox, detailed the future implications. Kunes stated, “Starting early next year, age verification will be required for these players in the UK to retain full access to social features on Xbox, such as voice or text communication and game invites.” Should a player not complete the age verification process by early 2026, their social features will be restricted, becoming “limited to friends only” until verification is completed.
Kunes also clarified that this verification process will not impact existing user data or access to core gaming functionalities. “Whether a player verifies their age will not affect any previous purchases, entitlements, gameplay history, achievements, or the ability to play and purchase games,” Kunes explained. The company encourages immediate verification to ensure continuous access to social features without interruption.
While the immediate rollout is confined to Xbox users in the UK, Microsoft intends to expand similar age verification measures globally. Kunes confirmed, “We expect to roll out age verification processes to more regions in the future.” The specific regions for future implementation have not been disclosed, but Kunes noted that the verification methods might vary, stating, “these methods may look different across regions and experiences.” For users in the UK, the age verification can be completed online through Microsoft’s platform using several methods, including a selfie, a scan of a passport or driver’s license, a credit card check, or a mobile number.
