Story perspectives

Steam's New Age Verification Sparks Controversy Ahead of 2025

9/1/2025

Summary

Story summary

Valve's Steam platform will require UK users to verify age for mature content starting August 29, 2025, per the UK Online Safety Act.
Users must link a credit card for age verification to restrict minors from accessing adult-rated games.
Critics argue the policy disproportionately impacts older accounts that should be automatically verified.
Ofcom's mandate may lead to similar regulations in other regions.
Microsoft and Discord are also strengthening age verification measures, indicating a trend in digital safety.

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Story summary

Valve's Steam platform will require UK users to verify age for mature content starting August 29, 2025, per the UK Online Safety Act.
Users must link a credit card for age verification to restrict minors from accessing adult-rated games.
Critics argue the policy disproportionately impacts older accounts that should be automatically verified.
Ofcom's mandate may lead to similar regulations in other regions.
Microsoft and Discord are also strengthening age verification measures, indicating a trend in digital safety.