Microsoft Starts Implementing Age Verification On Xbox For UK Users

Microsoft applies age verification for Xbox (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA Microsoft will implement a new policy for Xbox users in the UK. Starting next year, all users of the game console must verify their age to access all features.

This policy is implemented to comply with the Online Security Law implemented in the UK. This verification order will be displayed to users aged 18 years and over when they enter an account into the Xbox.

"Starting early next year, age verification will be mandatory for players in the UK to continue to have full access to social features on Xbox, such as voice communication or text and play invitations," explains Kim Kunes, Xbox Game Trust and Security Vice President, quoted via The Verge.

In verifying age, users must take selfies and scan personal data such as a passport or driver's license online via the Microsoft site. Users can also check credit cards and cell phone numbers.

If users do not verify now until the beginning of next year, a number of features will be limited in use. For example, such as social features that will be limited to 'only friends' until users verify.

"The verification of player age will not affect the purchase, rights, game history, achievement, or ability to play and buy games before. However, we encourage players to verify their age through this one-time process now," explained Kunes.

Kunes also revealed Microsoft's plan to expand the feature in more areas. This means that users from other countries will get similar verification features to access all features in the future.

However, it is not yet known which countries will accept this age verification requirement. Kunes also reminded that, "This method (age verification) may differ in each region and experience."