Australian players may need to verify their age with government-issued identification before accessing Grand Theft Auto 6, as Rockstar Games is expected to comply with the country’s online safety regulations for adult-rated online content. Failure to do so could expose the company to penalties of up to AUD $49.5 million (approximately USD $35 million) under Australia’s Online Safety Act.
With GTA 6 expected to receive an R18+ classification from the Australian Classification Board, the game’s online features are likely to fall under the same age verification requirements that already affect GTA Online.
Why GTA 6 may require ID verification in Australia
Australia’s online safety framework requires platforms providing age-restricted online services to implement age assurance measures before granting access to adult content. According to News.com.au, GTA 6 is widely expected to receive the same R18+ classification as Grand Theft Auto V.
Rockstar is already familiar with these requirements, as Australian players accessing GTA Online are required to complete age verification before using the service. If the online component of GTA 6 launches under the same classification, similar measures are expected to be in place.
The reported maximum financial penalty for companies that fail to comply with Australia’s online safety laws is AUD $49.5 million, or roughly USD $35 million, according to reporting by the BBC.
There is currently no indication that Rockstar intends to ignore the regulations. Instead, the company is expected to follow the existing legal framework, making age verification a likely requirement for Australian players when GTA 6’s online features become available.
As more countries introduce stricter online safety and age verification laws, Australia could become an early example of how major releases like GTA 6 adapt to evolving digital regulations.
