I don’t want to big up Microsoft for doing slightly more than the bare minimum, but an email I received overnight does at least cast renewed light on how terrible Valve’s approach is. An email from Microsoft regarding my “Microsoft Age Verification Status” had this to say:
“Due to your longstanding account activity, we’ve estimated your profile to be an adult account and updated its age verification status to “Verified.” At this time, you are no longer required to complete further age verification for uninterrupted access to features across certain Microsoft products, including Microsoft and Xbox storefronts.”
That is the whole sum of experience that the author had. Absolutely no mention on how and why microsoft came to the conclusion that he is now an adult. Absolutely no consideration that his own experience could be vastly different than what most users have to endure before they are verified. No consideration that, since the workings of this mechanism are opaque, his status could be revoked at any time.
Very bad article. I feel more stupid after reading it.
The author is a dolt. From the article:
That is the whole sum of experience that the author had. Absolutely no mention on how and why microsoft came to the conclusion that he is now an adult. Absolutely no consideration that his own experience could be vastly different than what most users have to endure before they are verified. No consideration that, since the workings of this mechanism are opaque, his status could be revoked at any time.
Very bad article. I feel more stupid after reading it.