Tech Desk 
Apr 22, 2026
Sony on Wednesday announced that PlayStation will begin rolling out age verification measures sometime later this year to comply with global regulations.
Sony Interactive Entertainment, in a statement, said: "Users who fail or refuse to verify their age will be unable to access voice chat or messages from their PlayStation console." Sony's age verification measure is the latest in a line of similar changes that have been undertaken by gaming companies and regulators alike.
Following news that platforms like Steam have enabled age verification measures in countries like the United Kingdom (UK) to comply with local laws, Sony stated that it would implement its own measures across the globe. The company said PlayStation users that it is a one-time check that would take just a few minutes to complete, and that doing so in advance would allow them to continue accessing voice and text features.
Sony's age verification email notice reads as follows:
"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. 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."
"This is a one-time check and usually takes just a few minutes. Completing it ahead of time will help you continue accessing communication features when you want to use them," said Sony, adding that users would still be able to access other PlayStation services, including the PlayStation Store, trophies, and playing games, which will not be impacted by any age verification measures.
