Australians Blocked from Steam Age Verification

Valve has introduced a proof-of-age verification system for Australian Steam users, which requires an active Australian credit card as evidence of age. This system was mandated by new Australian laws that came into force in March, requiring online gaming services to verify users are over 18 before allowing access to R18+ games.

The law requires verification, but Valve’s implementation only accepts credit cards, excluding other methods like debit cards and PayPal. Having a previous, long-standing account does not relieve users of this requirement, and about half of Australian consumers do not possess a credit card.

Steam’s Australia Age Check

Australian Steam users attempting to access R18+ games without verification are informed that Valve must confirm their age under the Age-Restricted Material App Distribution Services Code. Users are told to add a valid Australian credit card to their account and update their Mature Content Preferences.

Debit cards and PayPal are not accepted, regardless of the account’s age, and the credit card must remain active on the account even if no purchases are made. This requirement may be inconvenient for users who do not have or want a credit card, as there are other convenient methods for online purchases.

Over the last ten years, credit card ownership in Australia has dropped, with only about half of consumers possessing one. The rate of adoption is lowest among young adults, with approximately a quarter of Australian consumers between 18 and 24 having a credit card.

Limitations of the Current System

Valve’s system, which only accepts credit cards, may be unsuitable for its purpose, as credit cards are not necessary for online purchases. Other methods of verification are available, but they have not been implemented. Australian Steam users who want to access R18+ content face limited options under the current system.

To access R18+ games, users must add a valid Australian credit card to their Steam account and keep it active, even if they do not intend to make purchases. Debit cards, PayPal, and account age are not currently accepted as proof of age.

The verification system is currently in use, despite the relevant law coming into effect in March. It has not yet been confirmed whether Valve will introduce alternative verification methods similar to those provided by PlayStation and Xbox, so at this stage a credit card is the only option that is accepted.

Implications for Australian Steam Users

Valve’s implementation of the verification system has significant implications for Australian Steam users. They must use a credit card to access R18+ games, which can be inconvenient for those who do not have or want a credit card.

According to the outlet, the new law requires online gaming services to verify users’ ages before allowing access to R18+ games. The law came into effect in March, and Valve’s implementation of the verification system is currently in use.

Valve has not announced any plans to introduce alternative verification methods.

The number of Australian consumers with credit cards has dropped over the last ten years. This decline in credit card ownership may affect the ability of Australian Steam users to access R18+ games.