Rockstar Games could face a fine of up to $35 million (roughly AU$49.5 million) if it fails to comply with Australia's expanding online safety laws when GTA 6 launches. Under the rules, which are being tightened by Australia's eSafety Commissioner, online services that host user interaction or age-restricted content may be required to verify users' ages — meaning Australian players could need to prove their identity, potentially by submitting ID, in order to play. This matters because GTA 6 is one of the most anticipated games ever, and online features such as its multiplayer component would likely fall within the scope of the regulations.

The measures form part of a broader push in Australia to enforce age assurance and restrict minors' access to certain online content and platforms. Rockstar, owned by Take-Two Interactive, would need to implement acceptable age-verification systems to avoid penalties, adding a compliance burden that could affect how the game and its online services operate in the country. The situation reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of games with online, user-generated, or mature content, and how such laws intersect with major commercial releases.