Proof-of-Age Verification for Steam in Australia Now Only Possible Using a Credit Card
Unlike PlayStation and Xbox, which offer multiple ways to verify you’re over 18, Valve will only accept ownership of an actual credit card, despite the fact only about half of Australian consumers actually have one.
Valve has introduced a proof-of-age verification system for Australian Steam users, mandated by new laws in the country. These laws require online gaming platforms to verify users are over 18 before accessing R18+ rated games. However, Valve's chosen method differs from PlayStation and Xbox, which offer multiple verification options.
Valve only accepts ownership of an Australian credit card as proof of age, and debit cards or PayPal are insufficient. This method is applied regardless of the user's age or account history. Users will see a message stating they must add a valid Australian credit card and update their Mature Content Preferences if they wish to access mature content.
Not all Australian users over 18 have a credit card or want one, but Valve insists on this method. The lack of alternative verification options and the declining credit card ownership in Australia raises questions about Valve's decision.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
