Play Station users are now being asked for age verification in the UK and Ireland, or risk losing access to communication features when it soon becomes mandatory | Tech Radar

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Play Station users are now being asked for age verification in the UK and Ireland, or risk losing access to communication features when it soon becomes mandatory

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Play Station age verification has begun rolling out for users in the UK and Ireland

As part of the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), age verification will be mandatory in June

Many communication features will be unavailable if the user doesn't verify their age

Sony has begun rolling out Play Station age verification for users in the UK and Ireland.

The age verification process, which is part of the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), is currently optional, but will be mandatory starting June 2026, according to the FAQ.

Sony is asking players to complete the process to avoid interruptions later this year and keep access to Play Station communication features like text and voice chat, messaging, Discord voice chat, streaming features, broadcasting to You Tube and Twitch, joining parties or group sessions, and other in-game user-generated content (UGC).

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It explained that some games offer their own communication tools or UGC features, and if age verification is not completed, certain features will be 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.

Players have reacted to the new change, with one Reddit user saying, "Sony making age verification mandatory for core Play Station social features feels like a preview of where the internet is heading."

Others have said they shouldn't have to verify their age if they've owned their account for more than 18 years, with some suggesting that if a purchase was made with a credit card, Sony should automatically know the user is an adult.

Tech Radar Gaming's own Managing Editor, Rob Dwiar, received an email alerting him to the age verification. In case you haven't received yours yet, it reads:

"Verify your age to keep using communication features. At Sony Interactive Entertainment, we are committed to creating safe, age-appropriate experiences for players and families while respecting privacy and giving players and parents meaningful control over their gaming experience.

"As part of our compliance with global regulations, you'll need to verify your age later this year to continue using Play Station communication features, such as messages and voice chat. You will still be able to access other Play Station services, like games, trophies, and the Store, if you do not verify your age."

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A QR is also attached to the email, prompting users to scan and follow the steps to verify their age.

Sony is using Yoti for age verification, the same service Microsoft uses for Xbox after introducing the mandatory feature last year. A government-issued ID, a facial scan for estimated age, and a mobile provider check can all be used to verify the user's age.

➡️ Read our full guide to the best gaming consoles

1. Best overall: Play Station 5 Slim
2. Best budget: Xbox Series S
3. Best handheld: Nintendo Switch 2
4. Most powerful: Play Station 5 Pro

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Demi is a freelance games journalist who helps cover gaming news at Tech Radar. She's been a games writer for five years and has written for outlets such as Game Spot, NME, and Games Radar, covering news, features, and reviews. Outside of writing, she plays a lot of RPGs and talks far too much about Star Wars on X.

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• Play Station users are now being asked for age verification in the UK and Ireland, or risk losing access to communication features when it soon becomes mandatory

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