Mandatory rollout coming: Sony will require age verification for UK and Ireland PlayStation users later in 2026. Limited impact on gameplay: Core gaming functions remain unaffected, but communication, broadcasting, and some in-game features will require verification. Multiple verification methods: Users can verify their age via mobile carrier checks, facial scanning (through Yoti), or by uploading official ID documents. Privacy concerns persist: Past data breaches involving third-party verification providers made users wary of sharing personal information. Regional scope (for now): The requirement currently targets only UK and Ireland users. 

Source: https://www.bitdefender.com/en-au/blog/hotforsecurity/sony-playstation-age-verification-uk-ireland