Microsoft has begun implementing age verification prompts for Xbox players in the UK, a measure taken to comply with the country’s Online Safety Act. These prompts are appearing for UK-based Xbox users who have indicated they are over 18 years old when they sign into their accounts.
The tech giant is collaborating with Yoti to facilitate this age verification process. While currently optional, age verification will become a mandatory requirement for accessing certain Xbox social features in early 2026. This timeline coincides with the full enforcement of additional provisions within the UK’s Online Safety Act.
Kim Kunes, Vice President of Gaming Trust and Safety at Xbox, elaborated on the impending changes: “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.” Unverified users will find their social features limited to interactions with friends only until the verification process is completed.
Kunes emphasized that this new requirement will not impact existing user data or capabilities. “Whether a player verifies their age will not affect any previous purchases, entitlements, gameplay history, achievements, or the ability to play and purchase games,” she stated, encouraging early verification to ensure uninterrupted access to social features.
Although initially confined to the UK, Microsoft intends to expand age verification processes to other regions in the future. The company acknowledges that the specific verification methods may vary depending on the region and user experience.
UK Xbox users have several online options to verify their age through Microsoft, including submitting a selfie, scanning a passport or driver’s license, undergoing a credit card check, or utilizing a mobile number.
