As of August 29th, Steam users in the United Kingdom must complete an age verification process to access games containing mature content on the digital distribution platform. This new requirement specifically applies to titles featuring sexual themes and graphic violence, marking a significant shift in how UK gamers access age-restricted content on Steam.

The verification method implemented by Steam offers a relatively straightforward approach compared to systems used by other platforms. Rather than requiring government-issued identification or facial recognition, UK users simply need to add a valid credit card containing their name and billing address to their Steam account. This financial information serves as proof of age and identity, aligning with the upcoming UK Online Safety Act requirements set to fully take effect in 2026.

This policy change follows Steam's July 16th update to its publishing guidelines, which prohibited content violating standards established by the platform's payment processors and global network providers. The revised rules resulted in the removal of certain adult-oriented games from the storefront, a move that prompted similar policy adjustments from other PC gaming platforms like itch.io. These changes have sparked considerable controversy within the gaming community, leading to organized protests against Steam and its payment processing partners.

According to Steam's official support documentation, UK-based users attempting to access store pages or community content for mature-rated games will encounter the new verification requirement. The process involves logging into one's Steam account, navigating to the Account Details section, and entering valid credit card information including the cardholder's name and billing address. Users who already have payment methods on file with Steam are exempt from this additional verification step. The system may also require a one-time password as part of Steam's standard security protocols during the verification process.

While many countries simply require users to enter their birthdate to access age-restricted content, the UK's approach reflects the nation's proactive stance on online safety legislation. This contrasts with more intrusive verification methods employed by other platforms, such as Discord's photo-based identity confirmation system, which creative users have reportedly bypassed using photo modes within games like Death Stranding 2.

Despite ongoing protests and petitions against what some perceive as censorship, Steam's decision to avoid mandatory photo ID verification represents a notable compromise between regulatory compliance and user convenience. The long-term effectiveness of this credit card-based age verification system remains to be seen as the gaming industry continues to adapt to evolving digital safety regulations worldwide.

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