Are More Countries Following UK With Age Verification?

More tech companies based outside the UK are starting to use age verification tools. These changes are not just limited to British laws. Platforms in the United States and other places are also testing ways to sort users by age, particularly to protect teens from unsuitable content or features.

Tech companies are doing so with mix of artificial intelligence and traditional identity checks. While the UK’s Online Safety Act gave a legal reason to start, other companies are going further, using similar methods in places where there is no legal requirement yet. YouTube and Xbox are two of the clearest examples of this.

 

What Is YouTube Doing In Other Countries?

 

YouTube is running trials in the United States to check if someone might be under 18, using machine learning. The system pays attention to things like what users search for, what categories they watch, and how old their account is. If it thinks someone is a teen, it will limit ads, switch on wellbeing settings, and reduce repeated viewing of certain topics.

The technology has already been active in places outside the US, though YouTube hasn’t said exactly where. James Beser, who works on youth products at YouTube, explained that these tools have been working well and that YouTube plans to use them in more places after testing in the US.

Anyone wrongly flagged as underage can prove they’re over 18 by uploading a government ID or using a credit card. YouTube says the system helps teenagers get safer experiences while protecting their privacy.

 

Is Xbox Taking Similar Action?

 

Xbox users in the UK are now seeing alerts that ask them to verify their age if they say they are over 18. This process is still optional for now, but starting in early 2026, people who don’t complete it will lose access to certain features. That includes voice chat, game invites, and text messages to anyone besides friends.

 

 

Microsoft explained that purchases, game progress and achievements won’t be affected. But to keep using social features fully, adults must finish a one-time check. This can be done through ID, a mobile check, or credit card.

The company has also said that other countries will get systems like this in the coming years. These systems may work differently depending on the local rules and what tools are available, but the basic idea of checking age to adjust the user experience will stay the same.

 

Are Other Platforms Doing This Too?

 

Meta also uses AI to judge a user’s age… Its tools are live across Facebook, Instagram and Messenger. Instead of using credit cards or IDs, Meta allows users to change their settings if they think the system made a mistake.

Meanwhile, Reddit, Discord and Bluesky have announced their own age checks. Some ask for ID, while others use mobile phone data or face scans. These methods are not perfect, and many can still be bypassed. But they are being used more often as a way to avoid letting underage users access certain types of content or features.

Since the UK law came into effect, more platforms everywhere have taken action. Microsoft said it hopes to learn from what it is doing in the UK and adjust its checks for use elsewhere.

 

What Does This Mean For Users Outside The UK?

 

Even though these age checks are being talked about in connection to UK law, users outside the UK are already seeing changes. YouTube’s system is already active in parts of the world. Xbox plans to roll theirs out later. Meta’s tools are already live.

People who use these platforms outside the UK may soon be asked to prove their age, especially if they want access to adult content or features like open chat. While these changes might seem strict, they are slowly going to be the norm in the online experience.