Under UK's Online Safety Act, Steam users in the UK are required to register a credit card to unlock games containing adult content, thereby preventing minors from accessing these mature titles.
The UK's Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, has led to a significant change in the digital landscape, with gaming platform Steam implementing a new rule that requires users to provide a valid credit card for access to mature games. This move, while aimed at safeguarding minors, has sparked concerns among privacy advocates, developers, and gamers alike.
Valve, the company behind Steam, insists that this system does not share any new personal data beyond the usual PCI-compliant payment processing. However, concerns about creeping censorship and potential privacy overreach have been voiced by developers and organisations such as the Open Rights Group and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. They argue that mandatory age checks set a dangerous precedent, requiring users to hand over financial details to browse a storefront.
The rollout of the age verification system on platforms like Steam has been met with reported glitches. Players have reported issues such as failed £1 authorization charges and confusion over whether debit cards count. It's important to note that approximately one-third of UK consumers rely on debit cards or alternative payment methods, and Valve's system currently does not accept these.
The Online Safety Act is specifically targeting niche erotic or explicit titles, which may see sales significantly decrease in the UK. While for most blockbuster titles, such as Call of Duty or Cyberpunk 2077, nothing changes as they are not classified as "adult content" under Ofcom's rules.
Major UK banks such as HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander generally accept debit cards for payment verification on platforms like Steam, including for adult content, as long as the card is enabled for online and international transactions. Acceptance depends on the individual card's settings and Steam's payment processing policies, not the bank itself.
Valve encourages users to contact their local banks if they encounter problems with the new system, and they can also open a Steam support ticket for assistance. It's a challenging time for gamers, with the potential for some to be locked out of their hobby due to these new regulations.
Developers have already warned of creeping censorship as payment firms and storefronts play it safe. The fear is that this could lead to a narrower selection of games available to consumers, limiting creativity and freedom in the gaming industry. As the situation unfolds, it's crucial to strike a balance between protecting minors and preserving the rights and privacy of adults.
