Xbox will require some users to begin verifying their age, or risk losing their accounts.
The digital age is confusing at times. One minute you’re free to do what you want, the next a politician wants to take it from you. Microsoft seems to be getting a jump on potential age issues with digital content though and is now requiring users in the UK to verify their age.
The company is implementing a third party service, Yoti, to require users in the region to verify their age. Not doing so will restrict them from several services including searching for groups and being only able to communicate with direct friends. Failure to follow the new terms will also disable Discord and Twitch features as well.
Xbox/Microsoft noted that this is currently only hitting the UK region, but there are plans to continue to other regions soon. Microsoft noted that the requirement will become mandatory in 2026.
While a direct reasoning for the action is unclear, it seems to be overall online safety for younger audiences. Recently Steam picked up a few angry fans when they delisted “unsafe” content on Steam due to pay processing companies MasterCard and Visa flexing their power, and demanded the removal.
