Australians must now prove their age to buy R18+ games on the Xbox store

1 month ago 14

Rommie Analytics

If you use the Xbox store to buy either Xbox or PC games—and yes, the latter is possible—you may be prompted to verify your age the next time you try to buy an R18+ game.

Microsoft confirmed as much via emails sent to users over the weekend, which I received. "Starting August 2026, to comply with Australia regulations, you may need to verify your age before purchasing or accessing apps and games rated 18+ on Microsoft Store and Xbox Store," the email reads.

To verify your age with Microsoft you can use email-based verification, a facial age estimation check via "secure selfie", a credit card or a government issued ID which can include a driver's license or passport. Verification is done via London-based tech company VerifyMy.

Age verification software has come under deserved scrutiny this year. In February, security researchers claim to have found that verification provider Persona is not only lax with information security but also Read Entire Article