Valve Has Started Requesting Age Verification for UK Steam Users to Access Mature Content

Valve has begun enforcing age verification on Steam in the UK, requiring players to confirm their age before they can access mature-rated content. The move comes in direct response to the UK Online Safety Act (OSA), as first reported by VGC.

Credit Card Verification Chosen for Privacy & Compliance

Unlike other platforms that are experimenting with AI-driven age checks, Valve is opting for a simpler and more privacy-conscious solution. According to Valve’s official support page, the verification process requires users to register a credit card to their Steam account. This method was chosen because UK law requires individuals to be at least 18 years old to obtain a credit card, and banks are legally obligated to verify age before issuing one.

Valve emphasized that this approach minimizes data collection and protects user privacy:

“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.”

When Did It Start?

UK users began noticing the new system going live last Friday, according to VGC. However, players who already have their own credit card linked to their Steam account may not have noticed the change, as they automatically meet the verification requirement.

Broader Impact of the UK Online Safety Act

The OSA, overseen by UK regulator Ofcom, has pushed several companies to implement new age assurance systems. Ofcom’s guidance specifically calls out credit card checks as one of the most reliable solutions for online age verification.

Steam is not the only platform impacted. Nexus Mods has confirmed it is working on its own age verification system, while other companies - such as Rockstar with GTA Online have yet to announce how they’ll comply. At present, these requirements are most directly affecting UK and EU-based users, though other regions could follow if regulations expand.

Do you think credit card verification is the right balance between privacy and compliance, or should Valve and others look to different solutions?