Valve Implements Age Verification for UK Steam Users to Access Mature Content

Valve Implements Age Verification in Response to UK Online Safety Act

In compliance with the recently enforced UK Online Safety Act, Valve has initiated a mandatory age verification process for users in the United Kingdom. This requirement applies when accessing any content labeled as ‘mature’ on the Steam platform, as reported by VGC.

Age Verification Process Explained

Unlike other age verification systems that leverage artificial intelligence, Valve has opted for a more straightforward method. Users are required to input their credit card information to verify their age. According to a support page provided by Valve, this approach aligns with UK regulations, which stipulate that individuals must be at least 18 years old to possess a credit card in their name. Valve emphasizes that this method maintains a high level of user privacy.

User Experience and Initial Reactions

The initiation of this age verification was observed by users starting last Friday, as noted by VGC. However, players over the age of 18 with their own registered credit cards on Steam may not have noticed the changes, as they automatically meet the new requirements.

Regulatory Support for Credit Card Checks

“In the UK, Ofcom is the independent regulator for online safety. Ofcom’s guidance on the OSA states that one highly effective age assurance measure is credit card checks. This is because, in the UK, an individual must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a credit card, therefore credit card issuers are obliged to verify the age of an applicant before providing them with a credit card…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. The verification process therefore provides no information about a user’s content preferences to payment providers or other third parties.”

Industry Implications

Valve is not alone in its implementation of age verification measures. Several other companies, such as Nexus Mods, are currently exploring how to integrate similar systems, with announcements expected soon. Meanwhile, gaming platforms like Rockstar’s GTA Online have yet to officially disclose their plans for age verification, but industry speculation suggests that some form of verification is likely on the horizon. To date, these changes have primarily affected users within the UK and European Union.

As age verification mechanisms become increasingly mainstream across digital platforms, users can anticipate further developments aimed at enhancing online safety while balancing user privacy.

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