Sony is rolling out mandatory age verification for PlayStation users in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with a June deadline that could lock players out of key social features if they don't comply.
Starting in June 2026, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners in these regions will need to verify their age through Sony's systems to continue using voice chat, messaging, party features, and third-party communication services. The move comes as Sony begins implementing requirements under the UK's Online Safety Act, which aims to create safer online environments, particularly for younger users.
"Beginning June 2026, if you haven't verified your age, you won't be able to participate in voice chats, messaging, parties, or other third-party communication services," Sony's notification to users states.
The company has started notifying affected players about the upcoming requirements, giving them approximately two months to complete the verification process. While specific details about the verification method haven't been disclosed, similar systems typically involve linking accounts to credit cards, government IDs, or other age-confirming documentation.
This represents one of the most significant implementations of the Online Safety Act's provisions in the gaming space. The legislation, which received royal assent in 2023, requires online platforms to take measures to protect users, particularly children, from harmful content and interactions.
For UK and Irish PlayStation users, the verification requirement will affect how they connect with friends and other players online. Those who fail to verify their age by the deadline will still be able to play games offline and access single-player content but will lose access to the social features that have become central to the modern gaming experience.
The implementation comes as gaming platforms worldwide face increasing regulatory pressure to better protect younger users. Sony's approach in the UK could serve as a model for how other regions might implement similar requirements in the future.