User-to-User Platforms: Along with gaming restrictions, traditional “user-to-user” social media apps where algorithms dictate content (such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X, and Facebook) will be fully blocked for under-16s, though YouTube Kids remains exempt
Mandatory Blocking of Stranger Communication
The law mandates a strict block on functions that allow strangers to communicate with children under the age of 16. For a sandbox MMO like Eve Online, where the entire game is built around a single shared server, local chat, open-world recruitment, and corporate interaction with strangers, this poses a massive hurdle. Under-16s will likely find these universal communication channels entirely disabled by default. [1, 2]
No Livestreaming Capabilities [1]
If an MMO features built-in streaming or links directly to interactive streaming ecosystems, these elements must be blocked for users under 16. The government explicitly named gaming sites with livestreaming capabilities as a primary target
To comply and avoid massive regulatory fines, game developers will have to institute robust age assurance technologies. Major platforms are already reacting; for instance, Xbox began rolling out age verification notices to UK players using credit cards, government IDs, or facial scans to prevent unverified accounts from accessing social features. Game publishers like CCP Games (Eve Online) will be legally required to enforce similar robust age checks
The “Friend-Only” Pivot or Soft-Bans
Because completely redesigning a single-server universe like Eve Online to partition under-16 users from strangers is incredibly complex, many developers may choose to either:
- Lock under-16 accounts out of the game entirely if they cannot guarantee stranger-blocking.
- Strictly restrict the account’s social features exclusively to a pre-approved, verified “Friends-Only” list, effectively muting local chat, global channels, and open-space messaging
considering the above, i think FC would most likely change the rating and change it so 16 and under cannot register accounts, even with a parents help..