In late August, Xbox plans to introduce age verification measures for both console and PC users in Australia

In Australia, Xbox users will need to undergo age verification starting later this month.

Press Start states that individuals must prove their age when purchasing R18+ rated games from both the Microsoft and Xbox Store for consoles and PCs, aligning with the laws in Australia.

This notification has been distributed to Xbox owners, reminding them:

"In line with our compliance efforts in Australia, by late August 2026, adult Xbox accounts are required to confirm their age to access apps and games rated 18+ within the Microsoft and Xbox Store. Without age verification, access to this content may be limited. Your existing apps and games will not be impacted."

According to PC Gamer, VerifyMy, a tech firm located in London, will be responsible for handling age checks in Australia.

Verification methods include email, an age-estimating facial scan, or displaying a government-issued ID or credit card.

Earlier this year, Sony rolled out age verification for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland to meet the Online Safety Act requirements. While initially optional, age checks became compulsory by June 2026.

Failing to verify age might result in restricted access to functions like voice chat, text messaging, using third-party communication tools, and generating in-game content for sharing, streaming, and broadcasting.

Sony utilizes Yoti for age checks, mirroring Microsoft's approach for age verification for Xbox users in the UK. In the UK, Microsoft began this verification process last July, soon after the enactment of the OSA.

Last August, Valve started imposing age verification for Steam users in the UK, facilitating access to adult content on its platform.