Sony has started requiring age verification for adult accounts in Brazil who want to purchase games and content rated 18+ on the PlayStation Store. The measure complies with the Digital Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA Digital), a law that came into force in March 2026 and seeks to protect minors from accessing inappropriate materials on digital platforms.
Users of adult accounts registered in the country already receive emails from the company recommending that they carry out verification as soon as possible. Those who do not complete the process will be able to continue playing titles already purchased and purchasing games without age restrictions, but will be prevented from purchasing content for those over 18 years of age.
How age verification works on PlayStation
The process is unique per account and can be done using three main methods: cell phone number, facial reading or identification document. Cell phone verification crosses the data with the operator’s information, requiring the user to be the owner of the line. Facial reading uses Yoti technology to estimate age by face geometry, without permanent storage of biometric data by Sony.
For the document, simply take a photo of your ID, driver’s license or passport. The entire flow is managed by Yoti, a company specializing in age verification for games, social networks and e-commerce. According to official PlayStation support, data is not stored by Sony after confirmation.
Impact on 2026 releases
The change becomes relevant with the arrival of major titles on the PS5 in 2026. Marvel’s Wolverine, with its visceral gameplay and mature tone shown recently, should receive a +18 rating. The same goes for GTA 6, which follows the series’ tradition with explicit content of violence, language and adult themes.
Without verification, adult account owners in Brazil will not be able to purchase these games in the digital store. The restriction does not affect access to games already purchased or titles with a free or teen rating.
What ECA Digital changed in the games market
The Digital ECA (Law nº 15,211/2025) ended simple self-declaration of age in digital services. Platforms need to adopt reliable methods of proving content prohibited to minors. Other game and service companies have already started to adapt in Brazil, including checking app stores and online platforms.
In the case of PlayStation, the initiative reinforces the global trend towards greater age control, also seen in the United Kingdom and Ireland, where Sony already implements checks for social features such as voice chat and messages.
Step by step to avoid problems
Sony recommends that players carry out the verification as soon as possible via the official support page. The process takes just a few minutes and avoids future interruptions. New accounts may be prompted to verify during creation, while existing accounts are prompted when attempting restricted purchases.
Anyone who finds difficulties with one method can switch to another. PlayStation support is available to assist with more complex cases. It is important to remember that verification is per account, not per console, and applies to the entire ecosystem.
Other recent Sony changes
In addition to age verification, the company has implemented adjustments to the PS Store, such as the dynamic pricing observed in early 2026 in Brazil. There are also discussions about possible advertisements on loading screens in future generations, according to registered patents.
These changes reflect Sony’s effort to balance regulatory compliance, user protection and business evolution in an increasingly regulated market.
Age verification comes at a time when the PS5 catalog is expanding, with heavy launches scheduled for the second half of the year. Players who plan to purchase titles such as Marvel’s Wolverine or GTA 6 should do so in advance so as not to face restrictions at the time of purchase.
