Sony has begun taking steps to align with the UK’s Online Safety Act by informing PlayStation users about the necessity for age verification. Starting June, PS4 and PS5 players in the UK and Ireland must verify their age to access features such as voice chats, messaging, and parties, or to use third-party communication tools.

Sony notes in a support update that from June 2026, users who have not completed the age verification process can still play games on PlayStation, but certain functionalities will remain inaccessible until they confirm their age. This age verification will also be essential for utilizing broadcasting options or sharing gameplay on platforms like YouTube or Twitch directly from a PlayStation console.

To manage age verification in the UK and Ireland, Sony has teamed up with Yoti, offering verification methods including mobile number, face scan, or ID. This move mirrors Microsoft’s approach when they introduced age verification on Xbox last year. Microsoft also partners with Yoti in the UK, requiring Xbox users to be over 18 to enjoy full access to social features such as voice and text communications and game invites.

While Sony will not mandate age verification for UK and Ireland PlayStation accounts until June, users have the option to verify early to maintain uninterrupted access to features. Both Sony and Microsoft are enforcing age verification in the UK as more sections of the Online Safety Act are implemented this year.