Major changes are soon set to come into effect for Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online.
Rockstar Games’ hit franchise will soon adhere to increasing calls worldwide to add age verification processes.
Last year, it was dataminer Tez2 who first uncovered that the infrastructure had been constructed within GTA Online’s backend.
However, it’s been sitting dormant since then.
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As spotted by GameRanx though, Twitter/X user videotechuk_ is of the impression that Rockstar Games will activate the verification process in GTA V and GTA Online next week in order to comply with a new Australian law.
GameRanx reports that it’s not mandatory to comply with the country’s updated Online Safety Act, but that the Australian government is within its rights to tell the public which companies are not.
Australia is far from the only country cracking down on age inappropriate experiences when it comes to online safety.
The UK’s Online Safety Act 2023 acts in much the same way, coming into effect in July of last year.
What this means for gamers and online users is that you’re likely having to verify your age in order to retain access to more online experiences.
This can include taking a photo which is then scanned and verified to estimate your age, or providing ID. This is usually completed via a third party partner.
Whilst I do think Rockstar Games will turn on this technology before long, videotechuk_ doesn’t appear to back up with irrefutable evidence that this will happen next week.
As I said, compliance with the Australian law is advised, but it’s not required.
Rockstar is clearly ready to flick the switch though when those concrete demands do arise.
It’s The Right Move, But It’s Sure To Cause Some Upset
While you shouldn’t be playing GTA V or GTA Online if you’re under 18, we know that many gamers do, who will soon be excluded.
It’s perhaps safe to assume that age verification will also be present in GTA VI, particularly if it has an online offering.
Of course, I’m not about to discredit online safety. These checks are important as we’ve all watched the news and witnessed the damaging effects inappropriate content can have on young people.
Still, it would also be wrong not to acknowledge the disappointment that’ll surely come when young players are blocked out.
Rockstar Games will perhaps wait until there’s enough pressure from governments worldwide before it moves.
Topics: Grand Theft Auto, GTA, GTA 6, GTA 5, GTA Online, Rockstar Games