Sony is beginning to introduce age verification for PlayStation customers in the UK and Ireland to fulfill the necessities of the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA).
Age verification is presently optionally available, however might be required beginning June 2026 as outlined on its support page.
If customers don’t confirm their age, they might lose entry to PlayStation communication options. These embody voice and textual content chat, messaging, third-party communication instruments akin to Discord, broadcasting and sharing, streaming to YouTube or Twitch, and in-game user-generated content material.
For video games with their very own communication or UGC instruments, options akin to in-game chat, messaging, and content material sharing or importing may additionally turn into unavailable.
“Because each title is designed differently, the specific features affected may vary by game,” Sony said. “As titles update their implementations over time, additional in-game features may become restricted for users who have not verified their age.”
Sony makes use of Yoti for age verification, which is similar service Microsoft makes use of for Xbox. Microsoft started implementing age verification in July, quickly after the OSA was introduced.
Users can confirm their age by exhibiting a government-issued ID, utilizing a facial scan to estimate age, or finishing a test with their cellular supplier.
“Age verification is a process that helps confirm you’re old enough for an adult account for PlayStation in the UK and Ireland,” stated Sony. “We use an age verification service to help deliver an age-appropriate experience and support online safety.”
