The gaming platform requires age verification via AI or ID to enable chat and protect children

On Tuesday (18), the gaming platform announced that age verification is required to use chat on the platform. Users will have to show government-issued photo ID or undergo facial verification using artificial intelligence. This measure aims to avoid direct contact between children and unknown adults.

The change comes after a series of lawsuits against the United States that accuse the company of facilitating sexual predators’ access to minors. The platform, with more than 150 million monthly active users, a third of whom are under 13, already had filters but expanded the restrictions.

Implementation will be gradual. From December 2025, testing will become mandatory in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. From 2026, this rule will apply to all countries.

How re-verification works

Users wishing to use chat must choose one of two options. The first is to send a photo of an official document with your date of birth. The second is to use the front camera of a mobile phone or computer to allow the AI ​​developed by Persona to estimate age.

The system requests facial movements to confirm the presence of a person. Post-analysis categorizes the user into age groups: under 9, 9 to 12, 13 to 15, 16 to 17, 18 to 20, or over 21.

Restrictions on communication by age group

The platform will limit conversations only between users on nearby roads. For example, children aged 12 will be able to communicate with users under 15, but not with users over 16.

Users over 13 years of age who do not agree with the AI ​​result can submit the document for correction. Parents with a linked account can also manage the age of their children.

Measures already existing on the platform

the gaming platform already prohibits children under 13 from sharing photos and personal information. The company uses human and automatic moderation of text messages and voice calls.

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Experiences intended for people over 18 years of age require proof of age. The face data used in the new tool is deleted immediately after age classification.

Worldwide release schedule

Testing began Tuesday as non-essential. This will become mandatory in the three pilot countries already mentioned in December.

Starting in the first quarter of 2026, all users worldwide will be required to verify their age to access chat. The company said AI accuracy typically ranges up to two years for people ages 5 to 25.

Reactions and context of lawsuits

The attorneys general of Kentucky, Louisiana and Florida have filed lawsuits or investigations against gaming platforms in 2025.

A virtual demonstration organized by the non-governmental organization Parents Together was planned for this Tuesday to demand greater protection for minors.