Australia's new age verification laws mean players will need a real driver's licence to play Grand Theft Auto 6, and similar requirements could be introduced in the United Kingdom. Rockstar Games has disclosed little about GTA 6 despite pre-orders being open, but the game remains highly anticipated, generating $1 million in pre-orders within one hour according to reports.
Australia's age verification laws
Australia implemented online age verification laws last year as part of a social media ban, blocking access to platforms like X, Snapchat, and TikTok unless users provide proof they are at least 16 years old. This applies to online video games such as Roblox, and news.com.au reports that GTA 6 will be affected, covering both the single-player story and the expected online multiplayer mode.
Rockstar must comply or face fines up to AU$49.5 million (approximately £25.6 million) per breach. Age verification is already in place for GTA Online in Australia, so similar measures for GTA 6 are expected.
UK age verification prospects
The UK implemented its own social media ban earlier this year, modeled after Australia's. Although video games are considered distinct from social media, discussions have included banning voice chat features for under-16s. Evidence suggests Rockstar is preparing to add age verification to GTA Online in the UK, though the company has not confirmed this. According to reports, the UK's social media ban may face effectiveness challenges, as Australia's ban reportedly failed within two weeks due to easy circumvention by children.
GTA 6 has not received an official age rating, but a PlayStation email indicated it would be rated M for Mature in the US, translating to 18 in the UK and R18 in Australia. Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously commented on Rockstar's labor practices, highlighting the game's high profile.
