Nexus Mods is rolling out age checks for 'adult' content, but not for everyone

As the UK's Online Safety Act continues to roll out across digital services, mod repository Nexus Mods has announced that users from the region will soon have to prove their age. Modders in Europe will also be required to verify that they're old enough to access mature content once the EU Digital Services Act legally mandates it. Get those risqué Skyrim mods locked in now, friends, the law's coming.

The Online Safety Act was introduced in the UK back in 2023, but has only recently entered the spotlight as the government began to crack down on adult content. While it aims to "protect children and adults online," the rigidity of the legislation's scope has drawn its fair share of criticism across the board. Its implementation has also yielded some rather funny workarounds, as gamers have turned to highly detailed face scans of characters from some of the best PC games, most notably Death Stranding, to avoid verification via their own visage.

As similar legislation begins to roll out across the world, it's only a matter of time before entities beyond the orange banner et al. begin to be affected. GTA Online is already reportedly considering it, though it's unclear if this is a direct result of the OSA. Now, it's Nexus Mods' turn. Having recently been acquired by UK-based firm Chosen after founder 'DarkOne' stepped away in June, the popular mod site has previously stated that changes would be made to comply with the OSA. It recently locked adult mod access down to user accounts. The next step will see it introduce an age verification system next week, though you'll be safe if your account is over ten years old.

According to Nexus Mods, it plans to use verification provider k-ID, which you might have encountered on Discord. You can either use a selfie, which will remain squarely on your device, or a piece of photo ID to confirm you are you (or Norman Reedus). If you don't comply, all mods and collections with an 'Adult' tag, as well as the supporter image share feature, will be hidden.

For now, you may wish to lock in some of the best Sims 4 sex mods before woohoo becomes boohoo.

How are you feeling about the OSA and any related legislation? Come over to our community Discord server and let us know.