Microsoft has confirmed that users in Australia will soon be required to verify their age to access or purchase R18+ rated games and applications on the Xbox and Microsoft Stores. The new policy is scheduled to take effect in August 2026 to comply with local regulatory requirements.
What This Means for Players
If you attempt to purchase or access content rated 18+ after the August 2026 deadline, you will be prompted to complete an age verification check. Microsoft has confirmed that it is partnering with the London-based firm VerifyMy to manage this process.
Verification Methods
According to the notification sent to users, Microsoft will support several methods for confirming age:
- Email-based verification
- Facial age estimation via a "secure selfie"
- Credit card verification
- Government-issued ID (including driver's licenses or passports)
While various regions, including 25 states in the U.S. and the U.K., have introduced similar age verification requirements as of early 2026, implementation across the gaming industry remains inconsistent. As of this announcement, companies like PlayStation and Steam have not implemented similar, more rigorous age verification standards for the Australian market.