Steam Implements Age Verification for UK users, Sparking frustration
Steam has begun implementing new age verification measures for users in teh United Kingdom, a move prompted by the UK’s online Safety Act of 2023. The law aims to protect minors from accessing mature content on the platform. To comply, Valve is now requiring users to verify thier age via a valid UK-issued credit card to access store pages, community hubs, and games with mature themes.
The process does not involve any actual charges to the cardholder. Valve chose credit card verification after considering other options, citing the fact that credit cards are generally only issued to individuals 18 years or older in the UK. The company states this method prioritizes user privacy by utilizing existing purchase data processing and avoiding more invasive techniques like facial recognition.
However, the new system has drawn criticism from British players, notably because debit cards are not accepted as a form of verification. Approximately 60% of UK adults currently hold a credit card, leaving a notable portion unable to easily verify their age.The rollout has also resulted in some unusual situations. One long-time Steam user, with a 19-year-old account, reported being prompted to verify their age while attempting to play a previously purchased game – a situation that quickly whent viral on social media. Many users have as shared their own account ages, some exceeding two decades, highlighting the length of time some have been active on the platform.
This age verification push follows recent changes to Steam’s content policy, including the removal of certain adult games, a decision linked to pressure from payment processors like Visa and Mastercard and restrictions imposed by the British government. These changes have also generated user backlash, with some arguing the platforms are overstepping their boundaries.
