Got a license for that mature game, mate? Then where is your Steam UK age verification?
Ofcom has forced Valve to implement an online ID check for many of their store pages.
But are just UK users affected, and what does this mean for the future of the platform?
Steam UK Age Verification
Firstly, it is only the UK user-base is affected by the Steam UK Age Verification… for now.
Secondly, this verification message you may have seen posted or first-hand in the UK means you need ID. Due to the recent and controversial enforcement of the Online Safety Act, Valve has had to add this.
The Online Safety Act 2023 is a set of laws designed to protect children and adults online. This act forces platforms like Steam to verify the users’ age with Ofcom to prevent “harmful” material from being distributed.
But the method for this is by forcing users to input their personal ID and details such as face pics. However, the Steam UK age verification for mature games only requires details of a credit card.
UK users would have to add their own credit card to their profiles in order to access certain Steam pages. Once added, a £0 hold transaction would go through, taking no money but verifying the card. Because in the UK only 18-year-olds are allowed credit cards, this passes the act. Also, Valve is still committed to privacy and views this as the least intrusive method of ID.
Although this act aims to protect children, many argue it does the opposite and infringes on human rights. The EFF commented on the act, saying it was a massive threat to online safety, speech and security in general.
Meanwhile, others are frustrated, as owning a 18+ years of service badge is not enough on Steam. Also, the Steam UK age verification forces users who use debit cards and PayPal to go out and get a credit card.
It’s Never Enough
But the Steam UK Age Verification enforcement is concerning,especially regarding recent events. We were just talking about payment processors and censorship plans weeks ago. Many point out that it feels like a co-originated plan to carry out mass censorship across the net.
Just a few days ago notorious sites such as 4chan and Kiwifarms filed a lawsuit against Ofcom; it’s gotten that bad! Also, to add, no one in the UK wants these acts in the places, according to polls. Yet they are enforcing these types of laws blindly and without hesitation on platforms like Steam.
I was just checking out the page for Fear and Hunger, and bam, sorry mate, show me your license! There was recent news of PayPal banning a user for purchasing legal H-material on a verified website. All above board and verified, but she was just straight up blocked from the service.
Now imagine if your credit card company did the same because you bought Black Souls?
Although the Steam UK Age Verification is frustrating, Valve are working on other methods. I still think that they may even be making their own payment method still from the recent debacle. But in the meantime, UK users, hit up your branch and open up a credit card.
Or just don’t and wait and see what happens. Sure, it’s mature adult games or what they deem to be right now. Just wait until that selection widens to just 18 games in general, like they want. Gonna need an online ID for GTA 6 at this point!
