Observed Signal · Sep 8, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: PocketGamer.biz · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Privacy Market: Epic Games Store Adds Age Verification for R18+ Games in Australia
Epic Games will require Australian players to verify they are 18 or older before purchasing or downloading R18+ rated games on the Epic Games Store starting September 9, 2026. The change complies with Australia's online safety regulations. Players can verify their age via a selfie analyzed by Yoti, a credit card check through Stripe, a government-issued ID via Veriff, or ConnectID (available later this month). Existing games and titles rated below R18+ are unaffected. The verification is privacy-preserving, with data not shared with Epic's Kids Web Services.
Major platform policy update affecting gaming and digital distribution, relevant to AdTech due to age verification and identity management implications.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Epic Games Store will require age verification for R18+ games in Australia from September 9, 2026.
- Verification methods include selfie analysis by Yoti, credit card check via Stripe, government ID via Veriff, and ConnectID.
- The change is to comply with Australia's online safety regulations.
- Existing games and titles rated below R18+ are not affected.
- ConnectID verification will be added later this month.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedStripe
Financial infrastructure platform for payments, billing, fraud, and commerce operations.
“Stripe will authorise a 5-cent transaction to confirm the card is valid without charging the player....”
Epic Games
Game publisher, engine provider and digital games platform operator.
“Epic Games has revealed that its Epic Games Store will require players in Australia to verify they are 18 or older before they can download ...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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