Steam users in the UK are now required to verify their age using credit card details to access store pages for mature games, in compliance with the Online Safety Act. Valve has implemented this measure as an additional deterrent against users sharing accounts to bypass age restrictions. The process involves a £0 authorization that ensures users are at least 18 years old, adhering to credit card eligibility. Valve emphasizes that this method maintains user privacy better than others, such as AI-based visual identification, and does not disclose personal preferences to third parties.

How does the Online Safety Act impact the gaming industry?

The Online Safety Act aims to enhance internet safety for children by enforcing age verification on platforms with adult content. This regulation will likely lead to stricter controls and age checks across various gaming platforms, potentially reshaping how content is accessed by different age groups.

The Online Safety Act, which the UK government passed, is part of broader efforts to regulate internet safety. The goal is to create a safer online environment, especially for younger users, which has implications not just for Steam but for all gaming and content platforms offering mature titles. This new regulation is a significant shift in how digital content is managed and could influence future policy discussions worldwide.