New datamined evidence suggests Rockstar is implementing an in-game age verification system, a move with massive privacy implications.
Recent developments suggest that Rockstar Games may soon require Grand Theft Auto Online players to verify their age, a topic that was previously reported.
Following the discovery of datamined information last week, @Tez2 posted screenshots on X that appear to show evidence of the feature, indicating that its implementation could be imminent.
Currently hidden within the game's code, the inactive age verification system has prompted discussions about privacy, convenience, and the responsibility for keeping younger players from mature content.
GTA Online has maintained popularity for over a decade and has always been rated for mature audiences only. However, players in the game's online sessions have often noted the presence of younger players, despite the official 18+ rating.
This potential change could alter how game developers handle age restrictions, not just Rockstar with Grand Theft Auto.
Instead of relying on the age-limit enforcement of console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft, Rockstar appears to be considering its own system. This approach has led to questions from some players regarding its implementation.
The privacy implications are a primary point of discussion. Adding age verification would involve collecting and storing sensitive personal data, potentially including government IDs, birthdates, and other identifying information. For a game that already requires an internet connection and various account logins, this adds another layer of data management.
These concerns are often viewed in the context of Rockstar's past experiences with leaks and security lapses.
Console manufacturers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo already have security measures and are responsible for managing user data across many games. Some have suggested that individual developers creating their own age verification systems could be redundant to existing platform-level controls.
There is also the question of effectiveness. Current console parental controls already exist but can be bypassed by users or may not be set up by parents.
If GTA Online moves forward with this system, it could set a precedent that sees other mature-rated games implementing their own age checks, potentially also affecting Grand Theft Auto 6.
For now, the system remains inactive. However, as the online component to the second-best-selling game of all time, Rockstar's decisions carry weight that extends far beyond its own player base.
With Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick set to lead the company's next investor's call on August 7, it is expected that this will be a key topic of discussion.
