PlayStation Rolls Out Mandatory Age Verification for UK and Ireland Users

Sony Interactive Entertainment has begun contacting all PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland, asking them to verify their age. This move is part of the company's ongoing effort to ensure "safe, age-appropriate experiences for players and families." According to an email obtained by IGN, Sony stated that to comply with global regulations, UK players must complete age verification later this year to keep using PlayStation communication features. While users will still be able to play games, earn trophies, and access the PlayStation Store normally, those who don't verify their age will lose access to messaging and voice chat. Verification options include facial scanning, ID submission, or mobile number verification, though available methods may vary by country or region. Some users have reported issues with mobile verification due to server timeouts. Although Sony mentions the requirement won't take effect until an unspecified date later this year, Eurogamer notes that some PS5 players have already encountered in-console prompts when trying to use communication features. This initiative stems from the UK Online Safety Act, which came into force last summer, and will eventually affect all platforms enabling communication or multiplayer, such as Steam, Xbox, Discord, PlayStation, and Nintendo. While U.S. users are not impacted, Discord's similar age verification rollout earlier this year initially included U.S. plans but faced backlash after concerns arose about data security, following a breach at one of Discord's former verification vendors.