UK PlayStation consoles to get age verification features
▼ Summary
– Sony is implementing age verification for UK and Ireland PlayStation users starting in June 2026 to comply with the Online Safety Act.
– Without verification, players will lose access to social features like voice chat, messaging, and third-party broadcasting services.
– The company is using Yoti for verification, which accepts a mobile number, face scan, or ID.
– This follows a similar rollout by Microsoft on Xbox, which also uses Yoti and restricts social features for unverified users.
– Users can verify their age early to avoid losing access when the requirement takes effect.
Sony is now informing PlayStation users in the United Kingdom and Ireland about new age verification requirements that will soon take effect. This move represents the company’s initial steps toward compliance with the UK Online Safety Act. Starting in June 2026, players on PS4 and PS5 consoles who have not verified their age will lose access to several key social features. These restricted functions include participating in voice chats, sending messages, joining parties, and using other third-party communication services.
According to a company support notice, gameplay itself will remain accessible, but the social elements will be locked. The policy also extends to broadcasting; users must complete verification to share gameplay directly to platforms like YouTube or Twitch from their console. To manage this process, Sony has partnered with the digital identity firm Yoti. Players can verify their age through several methods, including providing a mobile number, completing a facial scan, or submitting a form of official identification.
This approach mirrors the strategy Microsoft implemented for its Xbox platform last year, which also utilizes Yoti’s services in the UK. On Xbox, players must be over 18 to maintain full access to social features such as voice and text communication. Both tech giants are enacting these changes as more provisions of the comprehensive Online Safety Act become active throughout this year. Although the mandatory deadline is in June, Sony is allowing UK and Ireland account holders to complete their age verification early to prevent any disruption to their social gaming experience.
(Source: The Verge)
