Microsoft has begun rolling out age-verification checks across its Xbox consoles and services in the United Kingdom, aiming to comply with the country’s newly enacted Online Safety Act. From this week, adult-registered accounts are receiving prompts to confirm their age using one of four methods: a webcam-based age estimation tool supplied by identity specialist Yoti, a scan of government-issued identification, a credit-card check, or confirmation through a mobile operator. The verification remains voluntary for now but will become mandatory in early 2026 for users who want unrestricted access to social features such as voice chat, text messaging and multiplayer invitations beyond their existing friends list. Gameplay, purchases and achievements will not be affected for unverified players, but their social interaction will be curtailed. Microsoft said it will treat the UK as a test bed before extending the system to other regions, noting that requirements could vary by market. Under the Online Safety Act, companies that fail to protect minors face penalties of up to £18 million or 10 percent of global revenue, giving major platforms a financial incentive to tighten age controls.