Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release on November 19, 2026, after 13 years of anticipation. However, players in Australia will need to provide age verification, most commonly a driver's licence, to access the online multiplayer mode due to new online safety laws that took effect in March 2026.
Age Verification Required in Australia
Under Australian law, any content classified as R18+ must verify that users are adults. The most common form of age verification ID in Australia is a driver's licence. The penalty for breaches to these internet bans was recently doubled, as tech companies are "not doing enough" to keep children from harm online, according to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Other Countries Follow Suit
In June 2026, now-former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the UK would introduce a similar ban for children under 16, with plans for it to come into effect by spring 2027. France has also signalled it would do the same, with French Parliament approving a social media ban for children under the age of 15 on July 22, 2026. Children younger than 15 in France will not be allowed to open a social media account from September 1.
Rockstar's Verification System
Rockstar Games have already launched a verification system for current GTA online players, which is expected to carry over to GTA 6 users. Players will be blocked from accessing GTA’s online mode until they have provided ID and passed the verification system.
