Valve has introduced new age verification requirements for Steam users in the United Kingdom, aligning the platform with the UK’s Online Safety Act. From now on, users will need to have a valid credit card linked to their Steam account in order to access store pages and community hubs associated with mature-rated games.
The updated Steam FAQ explains that UK users must log into their account, add a credit card as a payment method, and complete an authorization check. This process may involve additional security measures such as a one-time password or verification through the user’s banking app. Once successful, mature content preferences can be enabled from the store settings.
Valve notes that the decision to rely on credit cards stems from Ofcom’s guidance, which identifies credit card checks as one of the most effective age assurance methods. Since credit cards in the UK can only be issued to individuals aged 18 and above, the process ensures that Steam accounts tied to mature content are verified against this age threshold. Valve also highlights that storing a credit card helps prevent users from bypassing age checks by sharing accounts across households.
According to Valve, the verification process uses the same data already handled during normal purchases on Steam, and it is processed through the company’s own payment system, which is certified under the PCI-DSS security standard. The company stresses that the approach was chosen because it provides stronger privacy protections compared to other forms of age verification, such as requiring identification documents or biometric scans.
The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, imposes a duty of care on digital platforms to protect users from harmful or inappropriate content. It applies to all online services accessible in the UK, even if they are headquartered abroad. Other major platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Meta have already rolled out stricter moderation systems and parental tools as part of their compliance efforts.
Valve acknowledges that some users may encounter issues during the verification process if their bank rejects the card authorization. In such cases, the company advises contacting the issuing bank first, and then Steam Support if the matter remains unresolved.
While the new requirement may add an extra step for users, Valve maintains that it is a necessary measure to comply with UK regulations and ensure that mature content on Steam is accessed responsibly.