VRChat Plans to Implement Age Verification by Year-End, Sparks Community Discussion
Extended Reality
1-minute read
If you've ever explored the vibrant and diverse world of VRChat, you'd likely agree that it's one of the most open and active virtual social platforms out there. However, a recent announcement from VRChat about implementing an age verification system by the end of the year has sparked lively discussions among its community and users. According to official statements, this move aims to enhance the protection of underage users from inappropriate content on the social platform.
VRChat has clearly stated that they are exploring the feasibility of introducing age verification to enhance user safety on the social platform. They plan to collaborate with a reliable third-party verification agency to implement some form of age verification within this year. Understandably, many users are concerned about the mandatory submission of personal information, particularly regarding privacy and data security issues.
Reddit user ComplimentaryVictory commented, "Really disappointing. A lot of us go to VRC to experiment with identity and don't want our IRL inextricably linked with our online."
"As much as I support verifying ages, I feel nervous sending my ID to a company that I just have to trust to use VRChat. It's really weird. if only parents did their job, we wouldn't need corporations to be our nannies," another Reddit user, Mcsavage89, said.
Despite the skepticism, many welcome VRChat's initiative, hoping it will reduce the number of underage users on the social platform. However, some doubt the effectiveness of age verification, arguing that minors could still bypass the system using someone else's ID, rendering the measure ineffective. User moistmoistMOISTTT expressed, "It won't work, they will still complain and 95%+ of children will still get into 18+ worlds."
The colorful nightlife of VRChat is not all family-friendly. (Source: @ChevronTheWolf)
Many people love VRChat for its resemblance to the early days of the internet—free and unregulated. However, as VR YouTuber ThrillSeeker points out, "This is not just a problem VRChat will face, but any platform that grows to a large scale." What do you think? Are you for or against the implementation of age verification on VRChat?
