Xbox will require age verification: without it, you'll lose social features.
In the gaming world, security is becoming more and more of a priority. Xbox has just taken a decisive step to protect its community, especially minors. Starting in 2026, players will be required to verify their age to access the console's social features, such as voice and text chats.
Imagine Lucas, a 14-year-old Halo fanatic. For months, he's been playing online with friends from different countries. But one afternoon, when he tries to connect to voice chat, he receives a notification: "Please verify your age to continue." His father, surprised, investigates and discovers that Xbox now requires verification that the account belongs to an adult.
This new policy is no coincidence. Xbox has responded directly to the UK's Online Safety Act, which requires greater protections for younger users. Although the law is local, the impact will be global.
Starting in July 2025, Xbox began rolling out this system in the UK on an optional basis. However, starting in 2026, it will be mandatory to access social features. If you don't verify that you're of legal age, you won't be able to use chats, send invitations, or participate in online social activities.
Fortunately, the process is simple and straightforward. It doesn't affect your achievements, purchased games, or account history. You only need to confirm your age once to protect the community.
Xbox has developed four methods to securely verify your age:
- Age estimation via webcam
- Official identification (such as a passport or voter ID card)
- Credit card verification
- Verification via mobile phone provider
The platform has enabled a dedicated website where users can complete the process from any device. This is intended to prevent minors from unsupervised access to inappropriate content or interactions.
Initially, only UK players are required to comply with verification. But Xbox has already confirmed that the system will be rolled out to more regions in the near future. In fact, it is expected to be mandatory in Latin America, the United States, and other key regions by 2026.
Players who indicate they are over 18 and do not verify their age will be automatically blocked from social access on Xbox.
With this measure, Xbox not only seeks to comply with the law, but also to become a benchmark in digital safety for minors. In an ecosystem where multiplayer games are rife with social interactions, age verification could prevent harassment, grooming, or exposure to inappropriate language.
Furthermore, this policy could impact PlayStation, Nintendo, and other platforms, which are also facing pressure to strengthen child safety.
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