In what is a rather sudden development, PS5 players are being sent notifications about age verification. At the time of writing, this is limited to players in the UK and Ireland.
The message says that in “compliance with global regulations”, users will need to verify their age “later this year” if they want to continue using communication features, including text-based messaging and voice chat on the current-gen console.
The message also includes a QR code that you can scan with your phone, which provides a link to Sony’s website. You can then verify your age through three options:
- Facial scan (take a photo of yourself and have the system give you an “age estimation”)
- ID (use identification documentation like a driving license, passport, or ID cards to prove your age)
- Mobile number (use a verification code sent as a text message to your phone)
You can find an FAQ on the whole process by clicking through here, via a PlayStation support page.
This kind of age verification process falls in line with recently introduced age verification laws in the UK and Ireland. Age verification is now required to access all kinds of stuff online, much of which is deemed adult content.
However, concerns over data security remain prevalent, and so it’ll be interesting to see how this news goes down with PS5 users.
How do you feel about this? Line up for your selfie in the comments section below.
