Those who reside in the UK may have seen lots of attention being put on new online age verification rules recently - some amusing, some not-so-much. Well, Microsoft has now detailed how it will implement its own age verification process across Xbox devices in the region.
Starting now, Xbox users have multiple options to verify their age, in order to continue using social features on Xbox Live. Microsoft says there are "several easy and secure methods for age verification that players can choose from" including proof of ID, an age estimation tool, mobile provider check and credit card check. The team adds that "the information players provide during the age verification process is protected with industry-standard encryption and is not stored", although the news hasn't exactly gone down well with players so far.
In terms of what Xbox features this verification process will be needed for, well, it all revolves around social content. Microsoft says that users who don't complete this check between now and early 2026 will be limited to friends-only communication - and will miss out on "full access to social features on Xbox, such as voice or text communication and game invites". Those users will still be able to play and enjoy Xbox online, however, just not with the full suite of social features.
While this new process is just for UK folks at the moment, Microsoft says "we expect to roll out age verification processes to more regions in the future" - although it's still figuring all that out to make sure it takes "the right approach" towards global safety on Xbox. We reckon we're going to sit back and watch this one all unfold between now and that early 2026 deadline, but if you want to have a gander at completing this process now, Microsoft has provided a direct QR link in the Xbox Wire post below.