Microsoft UK Xbox Age Checks Signal Global Trend

Microsoft has begun requiring Xbox users in the UK to verify their age in compliance with the UK's Online Safety Act, which aims to protect minors by restricting social features to those who can prove they are 18 or older. Currently optional, age verification will become mandatory by early 2026 for access to features like voice chat, messaging, and game invites, with non-verified users limited to interacting only with friends. Verification options include government-issued ID, live photo, credit card, or mobile phone checks, processed by third-party provider Yoti with assurances of data encryption and privacy. While the policy is currently UK-specific, Microsoft may expand it globally, adapting methods to local regulations. The initiative follows similar moves by platforms such as Reddit and Discord, amid ongoing debate over privacy, potential circumvention, and balancing user safety with data protection. Observers in India and other countries are monitoring the rollout for potential future changes to their gaming experiences.