PlayStation users who want to make use of certain console features–namely, online communication with other players–will soon be required to verify their age, according to a recent report from Insider Gaming.
The report cites an email from Sony Interactive Entertainment that reads, “Verify your age to keep using communication features,” and goes on to reveal plans to implement world-wide age verification later this year (though the email does not provide a specific date).
“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,” the message continues. “As part of our compliance with global regulations, you’ll need to verify your age later this year to continue using PlayStation communication features, such as messages and voice chat. You will still be able to access other PlayStation services, like games, trophies, and the Store, if you do not verify your age.”
Sony isn’t the only entity in the gaming sphere currently pushing for age verification. Discord recently faced immense backlash after announcing plans to roll out an age verification system by March. It responded by pushing those plans back to the end of 2026 and claiming most users won’t even need to verify their age. Meanwhile, Roblox implemented an age verification feature in January that requires users to upload a photo of themselves before they can access in-game chat. The US House of Representatives is currently pondering the “Parents Decide Act,” which, if passed, could require age verification before users can access a computer’s operating system.
Sony’s already announced plans to roll out age verification in the UK and Ireland later this year, and it has a webpage where users in those regions can verify their age via face scan or by uploading their ID. Sony uses Yoti, a company that offers “privacy-first approach to age checks,” for its age verification in the UK and Ireland, and will presumably continue to work with Yoti for the feature’s global rollout.
In January, Spain’s data-protection regulator, AEPD, hit Yoti with a $1.1 million fine for mishandling biometric data harvested from users. Globally, concerns have been raised about age-verification being used to harvest player data that could be leaked, used to track consumer behavior across apps, or even end up in the hands of the government–without the user’s knowledge or consent.
Interestingly, Sony also plans to phase out all PlayStation Network branding by September 2026, though it obviously doesn’t plan to dismantle its online services–PSN is likely just in for a makeover and a new name.
