Valve has implemented age verification requirements for Steam users in the United Kingdom

Users of Steam in the United Kingdom are now being asked to confirm their age before they can view mature content on the platform.

According to VGC, this age verification requirement began on August 29, 2025. It aligns with the UK Online Safety Act (OSA) and mandates that users "explicitly opt-in" to see mature game content or engage in related community activities.

In a communication through the Steam Support blog, Valve detailed the opt-in procedure, which involves signing into a Steam account and attaching a valid credit card as proof of age.

Successful completion allows users to configure their Store Preferences to include mature content, as stated by Valve.

Once a credit card is linked, the user's account is regarded as "age verified" until the card is removed.

Valve noted, "In the UK, Ofcom oversees online safety. Their guidance under the OSA includes using credit card checks as an effective age verification measure."

This is because individuals must be at least 18 to acquire a credit card, ensuring that issuers verify applicants' ages.

Retaining the credit card on file helps prevent multiple people from bypassing age checks by using a single Steam account.

The Online Safety Act took effect in the UK on July 25, 2025, requiring services used by UK residents to prioritize the safety of younger users while ensuring transparency and accountability.

All companies in the gaming industry must adhere to these regulations, making age verification on Steam just one among many requirements.

In a similar move, Microsoft began introducing age checks for UK Xbox users in July. Although optional now, these checks will become mandatory in early 2026 to enable full access to social features such as voice chat and messaging for adult accounts.