Sony recently patented new software that uses artificial intelligence to protect kids from playing age-restricted games.
The AI analyzes in-game behavior and chats to determine if a child is accessing a parental account. If so, it locks the account until the parent can regain access.
How Would Sony’s Software Work?
The AI examines several data points to guess the user’s age, including:
- Voice and text chats – It check grammar, vocabulary, and tone.
- Facial analysis from cameras – It estimates the player’s age based on their face.
- Gameplay patterns – Irregular movements may suggest a child’s lack of experience.
- Character motions – A young child may move a character erratically.
An artificial intelligence program takes all these gameplay signals as input to calculate the probability a child is accessing the account.
If confident the user is underage, the system will instantly lock the account and display a warning that playtime is over.
It also sends a notification to the parental account owner about the unauthorized access attempt.
This prevents children from accessing inappropriate content through a parent’s account even if they know the password.
What Does This Mean for Gaming Parents?
The advanced parental controls reflect Sony’s continued push to protect young gamers across its gaming ecosystem.
With the rise of mature online multiplayer games, many parents worry about kids encountering inappropriate content or chat when playing on a family console.
While the patent does not guarantee this software will be implemented, it underscores Sony’s investment in improving player safety.
As gaming continues to evolve, companies must provide robust tools that allow kids to game safely.
AI that can automatically recognize and protect underage players based on gameplay patterns provides a promising way forward.
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