Valve Implements Credit Card Age Verification for UK Steam Users

Valve has rolled out a significant change for its UK user base on the Steam platform: mandatory credit card age verification for accessing content deemed suitable only for adults. This move is a direct response to the UK's stringent age verification laws, specifically the Digital Economy Act 2017, which aims to protect minors from explicit material.

Previously, age gates on Steam often relied on self-declaration by users, where a simple click of a button confirmed their age.

However, with the new regulations, a more robust system is required. Now, UK users attempting to view or purchase games and other content rated 18+ will be prompted to verify their age using a credit card. This is a one-time verification process designed to confirm the user's identity and age against official records.

It's crucial for users to note the specifics of this new system.

Only credit cards are accepted for this particular age verification. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and other payment methods commonly used on Steam for purchases will not suffice for the age verification step. This distinction is important because credit card issuers often have more robust age-checking mechanisms during the card application process, making them a reliable source for age confirmation.

The implementation has sparked discussions among the Steam community regarding privacy and convenience.

While the necessity for such measures is understood in the context of legal compliance, some users express concerns about the collection of credit card data for non-transactional purposes. Valve has stated that this verification is primarily to comply with the law and that user data handling aligns with their privacy policies.

This initiative places Valve alongside other platforms that have had to adapt to similar age verification requirements in various regions.

The tech giant has explored other potential methods for age verification in the past, including facial recognition software or partnerships with third-party identity verification services. However, the credit card method appears to be the initial and preferred solution for the UK market due to its widespread availability and the existing infrastructure for age confirmation linked to such financial instruments.

For UK gamers, this means a slight alteration to their Steam experience, particularly for those looking to delve into mature-rated titles.

While it may introduce an extra step, it underscores Valve's commitment to adhering to national laws and ensuring a safe browsing environment, especially for younger audiences. Users should prepare to have a valid credit card on hand for a seamless verification process when encountering age-restricted content.