UK’s Online Safety Act Puts GTA 6 Online at Risk for Millions of Players
A sweeping new UK law could make Grand Theft Auto VI Online unplayable for millions when it launches in 2026. The Online Safety Act (OSA), enforced since last Friday, mandates strict age verification for adult content – and experts warn it may extend to age-rated games like GTA 6, requiring ID checks before players can access the game.
How the OSA Changes Gaming
The law requires platforms hosting “adult content” to implement rigorous age gates, with non-compliance fines up to £18 million. While initially targeting porn sites and apps like Spotify, regulators confirm the rules apply broadly to any service with age-restricted material, including:
- Games rated PEGI 18+ (like GTA 6)
- Online multiplayer modes with mature interactions
- In-game stores selling explicit content
This could force Rockstar to integrate government-approved age verification (e.g., photo ID scans, credit card checks) at startup – a first for console/PC gaming.
Community Backlash Erupts
UK gamers reacted furiously on Reddit’s r/unitedkingdom:
“If parents don’t want their kid playing an 18+ game, don’t buy it! Watch, Labour will come for GTA 6 next!”
“Sharing ID to play a game? Absolutely not.”
Critics argue the OSA:
- Fails its goal: Tech-savvy teens bypass restrictions easily
- Invades privacy: Risks data leaks from ID databases
- Punishes adults: Privacy-conscious players may abandon purchases
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- GTA 6 May Face Second Delay: Leaker Suggests September 2026 Release
Broader Industry Implications
The OSA sets a precedent other countries may follow, threatening:
- Lost sales: Under-18s represent ~30% of GTA’s player base
- Fragmented access: UK players may need VPNs to avoid checks
- Creative censorship: Developers may self-censor to avoid “adult” ratings
Rockstar hasn’t commented, but the May 2026 launch could become a regulatory battleground.