Featured Image Credit: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Topics: PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Tech, Sony
Topics: PlayStation, PlayStation 5, Tech, Sony
Certain PlayStation 5 users have been issued an important set of instructions; for those that don’t follow, many of your PlayStation 5’s key features could become unusable.
The warning appears to affect those in the UK, with Sony finally drafting in new age verification rules.
PlayStation users will need to verify that they are over the age of 18 in order to keep using online features.
That includes online chat and play via your PlayStation Plus subscription.
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The full list of affected features is as follows: “Communication features on PlayStation (console, PS App, and web), voice chat, text chat / messaging, joining parties or group sessions, connected or third-party communication experiences, Discord voice chat, broadcasting and sharing features, [and] broadcasting gameplay to YouTube or Twitch”, as well as any “in-game chat or messages [and] sharing or uploading user-generated content”.
If you don’t verify your age or you don’t meet the age threshold, you will still be able to access your games, trophies, settings, and the PlayStation Store, but you will lose access to all online features mentioned above.
“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 experiences,” read an email issued to users.
“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.”
It continued, “You will still be able to access other PlayStation services, like games, trophies, and the store, if you do not verify your age.”
Verifying your age is a one-time step and reportedly only takes a few minutes.
Sony hasn’t specified exactly how long users have before age verification becomes a finite requirement, instead simply stating that these rules will come into effect in 2026.
However, PS5 users are advised to act now “to avoid interruptions later in 2026”.
All users will have received an email, or will do shortly, where you can click through to verify your age.
This is becoming a standard practice across the globe so you’ll perhaps be familiar with the various options.
Users will need to either take a photograph of themselves, select to match their information to their mobile phone provider, or upload a valid ID.
Those under 18 are advised to update to “the appropriate account type” which is one managed by a parent or guardian.
All information required for age verification is processed by third-party partner Yoti.
It’s likely we’ll see this process roll out in additional territories in the coming months but for now, it’s time for PlayStation users in the UK to act before they miss out on key features.
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