Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners will need to verify their age to continue using online communication features, including messages and voice chat. The move is part of the company's compliance with global regulations, according to multiple reports. The requirement applies to all users who wish to access these features, though those who do not verify will still be able to use other PlayStation services like games, trophies, and the Store.
In the UK, Sony's age verification system will use Yoti, a British company that provides AI-based facial age estimation and digital identity checks. The verification is a one-time check that typically takes a few minutes, Sony said in a statement. The company advised users to complete the check ahead of time to avoid disruption. Yoti's technology estimates age from a photo or scans official documents, and the process is designed to be quick and privacy-focused. Users who do not verify their age will still be able to access other PlayStation services like games, trophies, and the Store, but will lose access to online communication features.
The age verification requirement mirrors similar measures already implemented by other platforms. Roblox and Discord have instituted age verification checks, and according to Metro, it is highly likely that Nintendo and Microsoft will implement similar age verification by the end of the year. However, neither company has confirmed plans yet. Sony emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that it is dedicated to creating safe, age-appropriate experiences for players and families while respecting privacy and giving players and parents meaningful control over their gaming experience. The company has not specified which global regulations it is complying with, nor whether age verification will be required for playing games with age ratings. It remains unclear when exactly the age verification will become mandatory for all users, and how it will affect players under 18.