Steam's New Age Verification: A Privacy Concern
Steam's recent requirement for UK users to link a credit card for accessing mature content raises significant concerns about privacy and accessibility. While intended to comply with the Online Safety Act, this measure seems more about avoiding responsibility than truly verifying age. "In the UK, an individual must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a credit card..." This essentially places the onus on financial institutions rather than Valve itself. - The distinction between Adult Only and PEGI 18 content is confusing at best. - Users can still find violent games, yet are barred from accessing sexual content, highlighting a double standard. Moreover, the lack of clarity regarding what qualifies as mature content only adds to the frustration. This update may serve to protect Valve but at the cost of user freedom and privacy, prompting many to question the future of content accessibility on the platform. The community outcry is palpable, with petitions already gathering support against this intrusive measure.