Microsoft is adding an age-verification feature to Windows 11 that will allow specific apps to query the user’s age.
Australia started the ball rolling on increased protections for minors when that country introduced a social media ban for users under the age of 16. Since then, more countries have either implemented or are planning to implement similar measures and, it seems, Microsoft is now also jumping on the bandwagon.
Until now, age verification for adult content has largely relied on user honesty, but with this new feature, Microsoft is, hopefully, making it more difficult for minors to game the system.
What You Need To Know About Age Verification In Windows
- Actual birthdates will not be requested or revealed, with options presented in blocks, such as under 10, 10-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18+
- Only approved and registered apps will have access to the age verification process
- Apps can ask two questions: “Which age group does this user belong to?” and “Has the user’s age been independently verified?”
- Age verification is limited to only those apps that have passed through Microsoft’s “Digital Safety” platform first to make sure they have been properly registered and are allowed to query for age verification
What hasn’t been clarified, as far as I can tell, is exactly what will constitute an age as being “independently certified”. Microsoft has not yet announced a timeline for this new feature, but the consensus is it should arrive sometime before the end of 2026.
BOTTOM LINE:
I suspect this move by Microsoft might be met with adverse reactions from some freedom-of-speech advocates, and I must admit I’m somewhat on the fence. What I will say is that I am 100% in favor of anything that helps keep the young and vulnerable safe from inappropriate material.
As always, your thoughts via the comments are most welcome.
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“I am 100% in favor of anything that helps keep the young and vulnerable safe from inappropriate material”
I am right there with you Jim, but I am sure as has happened in the past , with every fence put up there will be those that will figure a way to circumnavigate it.
You cannot really verify age without 1. picture ID and 2. a live facial app to backup item 1. Without both , it’s really just a dog and pony show and will easily be gotten around.
I tend to agree with you Ed, kids today are tech savvy. However, I’m prepared to wait and see just how the “independently certified” age verification will be implemented by MS before passing final judgement.