Xbox begins age verification in the UK in accordance with recent law
Xbox will restrict social interactions with strangers if users don’t verify by the deadline.
Anyone who’s ever jumped into an online lobby on Xbox knows voice chat can be a double-edged sword. It's great for teaming up, but also where things can go off the rails fast.
Now, the UK government is stepping in to draw firmer lines with the Online Safety Act enforced by Ofcom (the UK's communications regulator) on July 25, 2025. This law mandates robust age checks on platforms that host adult or user-generated content and requires protection against harmful material.
So, to comply with the UK Online Safety Act, Xbox has started prompting users who list their age as 18 or older to verify their identity when they sign in to their Xbox profiles. Microsoft is working with identity provider Yoti and offers several verification methods, such as government ID scans, credit card checks, age-estimating selfies, or confirmation via mobile provider.
The company reassures users that this will not affect purchases, game progress, or access to content. It only affects social interactions with users outside your friends list if you fail to verify your age before the deadline early next year.
Oluwaseun Bamisile
Platforms like TikTok, Reddit, X, and Bluesky are also implementing compliance measures to avoid fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue. Meanwhile, users and critics have raised privacy concerns over the rollout.
Some bypasses have even emerged, such as using Death Stranding's in-game photo feature to trick facial recognition systems. VPNs are gaining popularity as workarounds, though regulators warn VPN use may violate the law. Given the possibilities for misuse and overreach, many view this new requirement warily.
Regardless, Microsoft says that while this rollout is specific to the UK now, it may expand to other regions in the future. But the methods and processes may vary based on local laws and communities, according to Kim Kunes, Vice President of Gaming Trust and Safety at Xbox.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
