PlayStation age verification begins to roll out in the UK and Ireland

Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced a mandatory age verification rollout for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland, with full implementation scheduled for June 2026. The company has begun notifying players via their PlayStation 5 dashboards and email communications about the requirement to verify their age to maintain access to certain features.

The age verification requirement will apply specifically to online communication features, including messages and voice chat. Players who do not complete age verification will retain access to core gaming features such as playing games, collecting trophies, and browsing the PlayStation Store, but will be unable to use the restricted communication features once verification becomes mandatory.

Sony is offering multiple verification methods to accommodate different user preferences and regional availability. Players can verify their age through a facial scan, by submitting a relevant identity document, or by completing a mobile phone-based age verification process. The company has partnered with service provider Yoti to oversee the facial scan verification process.

The implementation is being driven by Sony’s commitment to comply with local regulations, particularly the UK’s Online Safety Act, which requires digital platforms to prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content. To ease the transition, Sony has provided affected players with QR codes to complete age verification voluntarily before the June deadline, allowing them to avoid potential disruptions to their access later in the year.

PlayStation age verification begins to roll out in the UK and Ireland

Sources