Steam Launches New Age Verification System for UK PC Gamers

New Age Verification Rules for Steam Users in the UK

Valve’s popular PC gaming platform, Steam, has introduced a significant new policy for its users in the United Kingdom, aligning with the recently enacted Online Safety Act. As a result, UK gamers wishing to access any content categorized as ‘mature’ must undergo an age verification process, which currently requires the presentation of a valid credit card.

Privacy-Focused Verification Process

In response to the controversial age verification debate, which has prompted several platforms to explore various user verification options—including uploads of national IDs or selfies—Valve has opted for a credit card approach. The company emphasizes that this method aims to uphold user privacy while fulfilling regulatory requirements.

“The data processed in the verification process is identical to that of the millions of other Steam users who make purchases or store their payment details for convenience, ”says Valve.“The verification process therefore provides no information about a user’s content preferences to payment providers or other third parties.”

Debit Card Acceptance and User Experiences

While Valve’s support documentation explicitly mentions credit cards, user feedback indicates that valid debit cards may also be accepted for age verification; however, this is yet to be confirmed officially.

The Rationale Behind Credit Card Checks

Valve refers to Ofcom’s guidelines regarding the Online Safety Act, which suggest that credit card checks are an effective age assurance measure. As it stands, obtaining a credit card in the UK mandates that individuals must be at least 18 years old, compelling issuers to verify the age of their applicants before issuing a card.

Industry-Wide Implications

This development isn’t unique to Steam. Both Microsoft and Sony are implementing comparable age verification systems for their respective platforms, Xbox and PlayStation, as they respond to the same regulatory framework. This trend highlights a growing focus on age verification within the gaming industry, reflecting changing legislative landscapes.

As age verification practices evolve, both users and industry stakeholders must remain informed and adapt to new requirements to navigate the evolving landscape of online safety and privacy.

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