John LittleThe 2023 Online Safety Act recently came into effect in the UK. It requires certain platforms and websites to confirm users’ ages before allowing them to access content which might be considered “harmful to children.”
Since Sony had not made any announcements currently, this has led some users to speculate on how they think it could affect online play next year, when video game platform holders will be affected.
This has led to speculation that unless you submit to age verification, you will be locked out of your games that are deemed “harmful to children.”
However, one user points out that the Online Safety Act only covers online interactions. They argue that it only “stops access to online features like multiplayer and chat.”
Another user also speculates that PlayStation may follow a similar path to Xbox in the UK, where they restrict access to features like online chat with those outside your friend list, but not access to games. This is most likely because robust parental control and age restriction systems already exist for these platforms.
According to another user, “Sony are currently piloting a process facilitated by Yoti.” However, given that PlayStation is yet to make any public comment, this remains a rumor for now.
Whilst many users continue to criticize the effectiveness of measures designed to restrict online access for certain material, it is impossible to say how that will affect UK PlayStation users until 2026.
So, what do you think about how the Online Safety Act will affect PlayStation users in the UK? Feel free to leave any comments below.