Stanisland Magazine

The Online Safety Act has seen millions reject its implementation

Last updated: 22nd September 2025

Rockstar Games are set to roll out age verification checks following the UK’s new Online Safety Act. The law will require users to confirm their legal age via several methods.

Most notably, users are worried about the consequences for the company’s upcoming release Grand Theft Auto 6 (also known as GTA 6)

Rockstar have not yet confirmed how they will implement the checks, though it’s expected they will follow methods already employed by other services.

How are Websites Checking Ages?

There are several methods companies can use to confirm a person’s age before they enter a website. They include:

READ MORE: The UK’s New Digital ID Scheme: What You Need to Know

• Facial Recognition: Software that scans your face to verify your age
• Mobile network operator (MNO) checks: a verification process via your service provider
• Government ID: uploading official documents such as your passport or driving licence

However, some protocols are more intrusive:

• Credit card authentication
• Email based age estimation: an option that analyses the address’ history of usage with banks and utility service providers

Gaming Community Reaction

Many have taunted the decision as “disastrous” for privacy, while some believe it could end badly. Others have claimed it’s already being rolled out, with one social media user posting a screenshot of his encounter.

One Reddit user said: “This whole age verification thing that’s being rolled out on just about everything is going to result in the biggest data breach in history.”

Another poked fun at the move and quipped: “no you cannot experience GTA online which has tons of adult content, you have to play story mode which also tons of adult themes, naked people and slurs and literally straight up torture.”