Age Verification
Ongoing coverage on Age Verification.
Latest coverage
PlayStation age-verification begins to roll-out in the UK and Ireland
Sony has begun rolling out age verification for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland, with full implementation expected by June. This measure, mandated by the Online Safety Act, requires users to verify their age through methods like facial scans or ID submission to access certain features. Other platforms like Steam and Xbox have already implemented similar age verification processes.
Sony begins rolling out age verification for PlayStation in UK and Ireland
Sony is implementing mandatory age verification for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland starting June 2026 to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act. Failure to verify age may restrict access to communication features like chat, messaging, and content sharing. Microsoft uses a similar age verification service for Xbox.
PlayStation consoles will need age verification to use voice chat from this year
Sony Interactive Entertainment is implementing age verification for voice and text chat features on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles to comply with global regulations. Users will need to complete a one-time verification process, likely using a service like Yoti, to continue using communication features, though other services like gaming and the store will remain accessible. This change is expected to roll out across all regions by the end of the year, with Microsoft and Nintendo likely to follow suit.
PlayStation Will Require Age Verification For Online Voice Chat and Messages
Sony is implementing an age verification requirement for online voice chat and messaging features on PlayStation. Players will still be able to access games, the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, and the Store without verification, but communication features will be restricted. The new policy will apply globally without a specific launch date announced.
Age verification will roll out for PlayStation in the UK and Ireland in June
PlayStation will begin rolling out age verification for users in the UK and Ireland starting in June. This measure is being implemented to comply with new regulations and ensure appropriate content access for younger players.
Sony will require age checks in the UK and Ireland to access PlayStation communication features
Sony will implement new age verification policies for PlayStation users in the UK and Ireland starting in June 2026. This will be required to access communication features such as party chat, voice and text messaging, and some in-game communication tools. The move follows similar legislation and policies adopted by other companies to protect younger users.
PS5 Age Verification Coming to UK and Ireland, Needed for Messages and Voice Chat
Sony is implementing age verification for PlayStation 5 users in the UK and Ireland later this year to comply with regulations. Players will need to verify their age via facial scan, ID, or mobile number to continue using messaging and voice chat features. This move aligns with new age verification laws for online services in these regions.
Sony Has Global Plans For PlayStation Age Verification - Report
Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly planning a global rollout of age verification for PlayStation users to access online communication features. This initiative aims to comply with global regulations and ensure age-appropriate experiences, though users will still be able to access games and the store without verification. The company is working with Yoti for this process, despite the company facing fines for data mishandling in Spain.
Roblox safety chief knows age checks are "unpopular," but "the cost of not acting is greater than the…
Roblox's chief safety officer acknowledged that the platform's age verification requirements are unpopular but necessary for continued operation and access in various regions. These measures, including facial age estimation, are being implemented to address concerns from parents and policymakers regarding content accessibility for younger users, while also balancing creator freedom.
Evening Legal Briefs
The US government may mandate age verification for operating systems, requiring them to share user information with third parties. This potential policy change raises significant data privacy concerns for PC users.
US may force operating systems to have mandatory age verification, share info with third parties
A new bill in the US House, the "Parents Decide Act," proposes mandatory age verification for operating systems like Windows, Linux, and MacOS during installation and use. The bill, referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, would require users to provide their date of birth, with details on verification methods and data protection left to the committee. Concerns have been raised about potential privacy risks and the impact on open-source operating systems.
Roblox settles Nevada state lawsuit for over $12 million, promising to make platform changes
Roblox has settled a lawsuit with the state of Nevada for over $12 million concerning alleged child safety issues on its platform. The agreement includes $10 million for non-digital programs for children, $1 million for an online safety awareness campaign, and $1.5 million for a law enforcement liaison. Roblox will also implement age verification features and enhanced parental controls.
Roblox's age verification checks are "unpopular," but chief safety officer Matt Kaufman says they're worth the cost
Roblox is implementing unpopular age verification checks and new publishing requirements, which Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman states are necessary to comply with internet safety laws and maintain access to global markets. These changes, alongside the introduction of Roblox Plus, have frustrated developers, but Kaufman emphasizes the need to balance creator freedom with protecting younger users.
US operating system age verification bill "Parents Decide Act" gets published
The "Parents Decide Act," a proposed US federal bill for operating system age verification, has been published. The bipartisan legislation requires users to confirm they are over 18, with parental verification for minors, and mandates secure data storage and parental controls for application developers. The bill's broad definition of operating systems and providers could significantly impact privacy and user control.
New US Congress bill proposal requires all operating system providers to verify ages
A new bill has been proposed in the US Congress that would require all operating system providers to verify the age of their users. Introduced by Representative Josh Gottheimer and co-sponsored by Representative Elise M. Stefanik, the bill has bipartisan support but its specific verification methods remain unclear. Critics express concerns about potential privacy implications and security risks.
Roblox introduces mandatory age-gated account tiers
Roblox is implementing mandatory age-gated account tiers globally starting in mid-May, dividing users into Kids (5-8), Select (9-15), and standard (16+) categories. These tiers will restrict access to games based on content maturity labels, with further restrictions for users under 18. Developers will need to pay a monthly fee and verify their identity to label their games appropriately, with AI moderation assisting in enforcement.
Roblox Is Rethinking Accounts After Lawsuits Over Failing To Protect Children
Roblox Corp. is introducing new account categories for children aged 5-15 and adults 16+ to enhance child safety and content appropriateness. These changes, rolling out in June, include age-checks via facial recognition or parental verification and adjusted communication and content access settings based on age groups. The company aims to provide parents with more control over their children's interactions and game access, following lawsuits and criticism regarding child protection on the platform.
Debian Linux waiting on further info for how age verification will affect it
The Debian Linux team is monitoring new age verification laws, such as California's AB 1043 and a law in Brazil, to understand their potential impact on free software operating systems. Project leader Andreas Tille stated that the implications for a decentralized, volunteer-driven project like Debian are unclear, with potential obligations likely falling on commercial redistributors.
Morning Metaverse
This article briefly touches on the metaverse and mentions a WIRED article about Europe's approach to online age verification. It also references another WIRED article about a solo-created social network that gained millions of users.
Ireland is testing out a digital wallet that conducts age verification for social media users
Ireland is currently testing a Government Digital Wallet that will enable secure age verification for social media users. This initiative, part of a broader European Union regulation, aims to protect children and young people online by ensuring designated platforms have robust age verification measures. The pilot phase is opt-in, and feedback is being collected to refine the user experience before its public release later this year.