Australia mandates real ID for GTA 6, $49.5 M fine risk

As the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI approaches, players in Australia face a unique regulatory hurdle: mandatory age verification using real-world identification to access the game. This requirement stems from new online safety laws enacted in March, which apply to content rated for adults. With the game expected to carry an R18 rating, developer Rockstar Games must implement the verification system or face potential fines of up to $49.5 million per breach for noncompliance.

The Australian policy has sparked debate among locals, with many expressing concerns over privacy and the security of personal data, such as national IDs, driver's licenses, and selfies. The law mandates that users submit official identification to Rockstar to play the restricted game. This practice is not entirely new for the company, as its existing online service, GTA Online, already requires similar ID checks in the region. The impending release has amplified scrutiny of these measures.

Internationally, the game's launch is encountering other forms of restriction. Tajikistan has banned the entire Grand Theft Auto franchise, citing concerns that it incites crime and encourages violence....