Rockstar now plans to add age checks to GTA Online as it prepares for the GTA 6 launch. Leaks from industry insider and data miner Tez2 reveal that players may soon face mandatory age verification to access GTA Online or key features like text chat, phone messages, and the Snapmatic photo app .
The rollout starts in the United Kingdom, aligning with the recently enforced Online Safety Act. That law demands platforms verify users’ ages to limit access to adult content. Rockstar may extend the system region by region depending on local regulations .
The age verification system will likely ask players to scan a QR code or visit a web link. Verification may include face scan AI analysis or submitting official ID like passports or driver’s licenses. These systems have faced criticism over privacy risks and accuracy issues .
Community reaction has split. Some players support keeping minors away from mature content. Others worry about handing personal documents to a game maker. Reports note growing use of VPNs in the UK to bypass these checks . Gamers hope roleplay servers and core gameplay remain intact.
Rockstar has yet to announce an official timeline. For now, British players stand to experience these changes first. Developers remain silent on whether age verification will block access to the full game or only to specific social features .
This move by Rockstar reflects a broader industry trend. Services like Xbox, YouTube, Discord, and Reddit already implement regional age checks. As GTA 6 approaches, Rockstar positions GTA Online under tighter safety rules—fueling debate on balance between adult content, access, and data privacy.
