UK Steam users needing 'mature game content' now require account linking of credit cards to confirm age eligibility

In response to the implementation of the Online Safety Act in the UK, digital distribution platform Steam and gaming console Xbox have introduced age verification requirements for their users.

Steam users in the UK are now required to have a valid credit card associated with their account. This measure is aimed at ensuring Valve's compliance with the Online Safety Act, which is designed to protect UK users. The credit card verification process is identical to that of other Steam users who make purchases or store their payment details for convenience.

Valve recognises Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club credit card providers as suitable for age verification under the Online Safety Act in the UK. It is also possible that Steam may accept debit cards for age verification, although this has not been explicitly stated.

Registering a credit card is the only way to access adult content on Steam from within the UK. PEGI 18 games, which are games rated for players aged 18 and over, are still accessible on Steam. The verification process provides no information about a user's content preferences to payment providers or other third parties.

The restriction on mature content games only applies to games marked "Adult Only." Minors in the UK cannot use debit cards issued to them to get around Steam's age gate.

Meanwhile, Xbox owners in the UK are facing similar age verification requirements. Microsoft is implementing optional age verification requirements, which will become mandatory in early 2026. The implementation of these requirements is being carried out in close collaboration with Ofcom.

However, unlike Steam, Xbox's age verification requirements are not limited to credit cards. The specific payment methods accepted for age verification on Xbox have not been detailed. There are also no age gate restrictions for minors using debit cards on Xbox.

A petition calling for the repeal of the Online Safety Act, which has gathered over 530,000 signatures, has been circulating. However, the UK government has stated that it "has no plans to repeal the Online Safety Act."

It is important to note that accessing sex games while logged into a Steam account and VPNing from London is possible, but it may not be due to a back-door verification or the age of the account. The potential privacy concerns related to the age verification process have not been addressed in the current paragraph.

In conclusion, both Steam and Xbox are implementing age verification requirements in response to the Online Safety Act in the UK. While the specifics may differ, the goal of these measures is to provide protections for UK users.

UK Steam users needing 'mature game content' now require account linking of credit cards to confirm age eligibility