Rockstar Games is reportedly gearing up to roll out age verification for GTA Online, and it could be a sign of what’s to come in GTA 6, especially for players in the UK.
If you’re a longtime GTA Online player, you may want to brace for change. A well-known GTA insider says Rockstar is working on an age assurance system that would restrict access to GTA Online, or at least certain features, until players verify they’re old enough to play.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why the UK’s Online Safety Act is likely behind it, and what it might mean for the future of GTA’s online world.
Age Verification Coming to GTA Online?
According to well-known Rockstar insider and dataminer Tez2, new game files hint at an upcoming age assurance system. He believes Rockstar is planning to implement these checks gradually, starting region by region.
“Rockstar is planning to implement age assurance checks in the near future, rolling them out by region,” Tez2 posted on X.
This system could mean you’ll need to verify your age to access GTA Online, or certain features might be restricted until you do, such as text chat, Snapmatic, or even in-game phone messages.
And it’s not just hearsay. While GTA Online has always carried an 18+ rating, enforcement has been lax. Technically, nothing stops a younger player from joining the game if someone older purchases it for them. But with age verification in place, that loophole could be closing.
What’s the UK Got to Do With It?
All signs point to the UK’s Online Safety Act as the driving force behind this change. The law is putting heavy pressure on digital platforms to verify user age, especially when it comes to adult content.
While much of the conversation around the Act has centered on explicit websites, social media and online games are being pulled in too. For example, Bluesky now asks for either a facial scan or credit card details just to send DMs.
GTA Online will add age verification to comply with UK laws claims insider
byu/JayR_97 ingaming
If companies don’t comply, they risk fines from Ofcom or even being banned from operating in the UK altogether. Therefore, it’s no surprise Rockstar may be taking steps to avoid that outcome, especially with GTA Online’s mature themes (including its infamous strip club and graphic content).
What About GTA 6?
GTA 6 is officially set to launch in May 2026, and it’s expected to come with its own dedicated online multiplayer mode. But there’s still a lot of mystery around whether that mode will be a direct continuation of GTA Online, or a brand new experience altogether.
If Rockstar is about to introduce age verification in GTA Online, it’s highly likely GTA 6’s online features will come bundled with the same system, especially given the legal and content concerns involved.
With so much money and hype riding on GTA 6, Rockstar won’t risk being barred from major markets like the UK. That means we can probably expect age assurance measures to be baked into GTA 6 from day one.
Could Age Checks Lead to More VPN Usage?
If Rockstar enforces region-specific age checks, players may start looking for workarounds, and one of the most obvious tools is a VPN. Regional rollouts mean some countries may enforce restrictions before others. A VPN lets players connect from a location where the verification hasn’t gone live yet.
Privacy-conscious users might not feel comfortable uploading ID documents or facial scans. A VPN helps them bypass regional age checks entirely to avoid sharing personal data in the first place. Plus, underage players might try to access content blocked in their country by changing their virtual location.
While we don’t condone breaking age rules, it’s worth noting that VPN use historically spikes when new restrictions are introduced, especially in gaming communities. If Rockstar’s system is aggressive or invasive, GTA Online VPNs could become a go-to workaround for frustrated players.
Final Word
Nothing is official yet as Rockstar hasn’t commented on the rumored age verification system. But given how closely this lines up with the UK’s regulatory push and how Tez2 has been accurate before, it’s safe to say change is on the horizon.
If Rockstar does introduce age assurance for GTA Online, it’ll mark a major shift in how online games handle access and regulation, especially in mature-rated titles. And with GTA 6 on the way, this might just be the start of a much stricter future for online gaming access.
Arsalan Rashid
August 5, 2025
2 months ago
