Microsoft Plans UK Xbox Age Verification, Restricts Social Features

Microsoft is introducing mandatory age verification for Xbox users in the UK starting early 2026, requiring players marked as 18 or older to prove their age via government ID, facial scans, or credit card details to maintain access to social features like voice chat, messaging, and game invitations. This move complies with the UK's Online Safety Act, which demands 'highly effective' age checks to protect children from harmful content, extending similar requirements previously applied to adult websites. While Xbox gamers acknowledge the intent to safeguard younger players, many express frustration and privacy concerns over having to repeatedly verify their adulthood despite long-standing accounts and skepticism about data security. Microsoft is partnering with the UK-based verification provider Yoti to securely handle age verification without sharing personal data beyond age confirmation. Failure to verify will restrict access to social functionalities, though games and purchases will remain unaffected. The new regulations reflect broader UK government efforts to enforce robust online age verification, with discussions ongoing about VPN use and circumvention methods.