Valve has introduced a new age verification system for Australian users on Steam, mandating the use of a credit card to access and purchase games rated R18+. This change, which came into effect yesterday, mirrors similar measures already implemented by PlayStation and Xbox in the region. The shift is reportedly driven by legal requirements, with potential fines of up to AU$50 million at stake for non-compliance.
However, the chosen verification method has drawn criticism. Unlike console platforms that offer multiple ways to confirm age, Steam's system exclusively accepts credit cards. Debit cards, even those linked to standard bank accounts, are not recognized by the system. This distinction is based on the legal age requirement for obtaining a credit card in Australia, which is 18, whereas debit cards can be held by individuals younger than that.
The reliance on credit cards presents several potential barriers for adult users. Individuals may not qualify for a credit card due to insufficient income, failure to meet a bank's credit assessment criteria, or a history of poor credit. Furthermore, some adults may simply prefer not to use credit cards due to personal financial philosophies. For those in these situations, the new Steam policy effectively prevents them from purchasing R18+ rated content or even viewing its store pages. Accessing an R18+ game page now displays a message stating that Valve is required to verify the user is 18 or older before accessing mature content, and directs them to add a valid Australian credit card and update preferences.
As a workaround, some users have noted that it remains possible to purchase Steam keys for R18+ games from third-party retailers such as Fanatical and Green Man Gaming, and subsequently redeem these keys on Steam. This offers a partial solution, though concerns have been raised about the privacy and security implications of relying on third-party verification services.