From PCMAG · Chris Hoffman · · 2m
Windows 11 will soon ask for your ID to prove your age
Microsoft is rolling out age verification that could require government IDs or selfies to unlock certain features.
In brief
Microsoft is rolling out age verification that could require government IDs or selfies to unlock certain features. Windows 11 will collect and verify user ages through Microsoft accounts, potentially requiring government IDs or facial scans to comply with new state laws. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Windows will ask your age
Windows 11 will soon collect your age so apps and sites know if you're an adult. Microsoft is already planning to make you prove it with a government ID or selfie.
Three states already require it
California, Colorado, and Illinois have passed laws forcing Windows and other operating systems to implement age checks. Congress is considering national requirements.
Two levels of verification
Apps can request your age through the Windows Age API, which returns ranges like under 10 or 18 plus. You can enter an age without proof, but it's unverified.
How verified age works
To verify your age, you must log into a government system, take a selfie for facial age estimation, or upload a driver's license.
Only four countries for now
Currently, only users in Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and the United Kingdom can verify their ages through Microsoft accounts.
Verified status follows you
Once you verify your age with your Microsoft account, the verified status will follow you across all devices where you sign in.
Microsoft opposes AI rights
Microsoft published a code of conduct rejecting legal personhood for AI. The company believes training systems to imitate consciousness increases control challenges.
“We reject the pursuit of legal personhood, or the idea that models might deserve welfare, or be entitled to rights.”
A dig at Anthropic
The document directly criticizes Anthropic's work on Claude. Anthropic says it's deeply uncertain about Claude's moral status and whether future AI could be conscious.
PR chief leaving after 30 years
Frank Shaw is departing Microsoft after handling communications since 1997. He served as chief communications officer for 17 years.
Stop OneDrive Desktop sync
Windows 11 often syncs your Desktop to OneDrive without asking. Right-click your Desktop folder and select Always keep on this device before stopping backup.
Turn off folder backup
In OneDrive settings, go to Sync and backup, click Manage backup, toggle off Desktop, and choose Only on my PC to move files out of the cloud.
Uninstall OneDrive completely
You can remove OneDrive like any other app through Settings, Apps, Installed apps. If it reappears after a Windows Update, just uninstall it again.
In short
Windows 11 will collect and verify user ages through Microsoft accounts, potentially requiring government IDs or facial scans to comply with new state laws.
