Microsoft wants to make it easier for Windows 11 take into account the age of those who use them to offer them appropriate content and features rather than leaving parents and families with the sole responsibility for managing access to content. The company has announced a new tool that will allow developers to consult What age group does the user belong to and if that information is verified. According to Neowin, it is now available in test versions of the operating system.
The novelty will come through a new API for Windows 11an interface that will allow applications to query information about the user’s age through the operating system and incorporate it into its operation. This will make it easier for developers to adapt their services without having to create the mechanisms necessary to obtain that information.
With this API, applications will be able to distinguish between five age groups using this new tool. The categories will be under 10 years old, from 10 to 12, from 13 to 15, from 16 to 17 and from 18 onwards. They will also be able to check if the age has been verified for those services in which it is not enough to accept what a person has declared in their account.
A third function will allow the user to be classified as a child, minor or adult according to the policies of each region. The company assures that the developers They will not receive the full date of birth and that the information will be shared with the user’s explicit consent.
Windows already takes into account the age associated with the Microsoft account for certain features and services. In addition, it offers parental controls through Microsoft Family Safetywith which families can Restrict apps and games based on their age rating, filter web pages in Edge, and set usage limits. These controls depend on the settings made, not just the age declared on the account, and They do not mean that the entire system automatically adapts to the age of the person who logs in..
Microsoft justifies the API by the need to Deliver age-appropriate experiences as technology and AI-based services evolve. According to the company, facilitating this task for developers will also help reduce the responsibility of managing access to content. does not fall exclusively on parents and families.
The company is also deploying Microsoft Age Verificationa centralized platform for one-time age verification and making that verification available to developers using the Windows Age API. For now it only works in some countries that do not include Spain. The API can now be tested in pre-release versions of Windows 11, so its launch would be closebut Microsoft has not announced a specific date.