Steam is now enforcing age verification for users in the UK to access mature content
Valve is now requiring UK users to verify their age with a credit card to access "mature content" on Steam, in line with the UK's Online Safety Act. This includes not only mature games but also community hubs associated with them. Users who already have a credit card linked to their account won't face any issues, while others must add a valid card to access this content.
Unlike platforms like Reddit or Discord, which use selfies for age verification, Valve opted for credit card verification to maintain privacy and deter workarounds, as only those 18 and older can possess a credit card in the UK. Without a credit card, users can't access mature content on Steam.
The requirement was first spotted by users in Steam’s FAQ, and aligns with the UK's new law, which requires platforms to safeguard users and prevent children from accessing harmful content. It's also worth noting that this change comes after Steam was recently forced to withdraw several mature games from its platform, allegedly due to pressure from credit card companies.
Comments
What a dystopia UK became...
The whole world is heading that way.
We're surrounded by slaves that take everything and obey without complaining. At this point we deserve it as a society as a whole.
Shimoneta was a warning, but due to western politicians' nature, it's a Thoughtpolice guidebook. Zenko Kurisihta even noticed this very same censorship efforts try to cancel Japanese culture altogether (the likes of
Fate (Type-Moon series), 
Touhou Project, or any kind of doujinshi) and boycott Comiket.
Malware in these payment processors? No thanks. No wonder they're enshittified like this for politicians' interests.