Video Game History

Sony begins rolling out age verification for PlayStation in UK and Ireland

]If users do not verify their age, they may lose access to PlayStation communication features. These include voice and text chat, messaging, third-party communication tools such as Discord, broadcasting and sharing, streaming to YouTube or Twitch, and in-game user-generated content.

For games with their own communication or UGC tools, features such as in-game chat, messaging, and content sharing or uploading may also become unavailable.

"Because each title is designed differently, the specific features affected may vary by game," Sony stated. "As titles update their implementations over time, additional in-game features may become restricted for users who have not verified their age."

Sony uses Yoti for age verification, which is the same service Microsoft uses for Xbox. Microsoft began implementing age verification in July, soon after the OSA was introduced.

Users can verify their age by showing a government-issued ID, using a facial scan to estimate age, or completing a check with their mobile provider.

"Age verification is a process that helps confirm you're old enough for an adult account for PlayStation in the UK and Ireland," said Sony. "We use an age verification service to help deliver an age-appropriate experience and support online safety."