Valve has updated its age verification system for users in Australia, offering a new pathway to access restricted content without linking a credit card. The change addresses widespread criticism of the initial rollout, which effectively blocked many Australian players from viewing R18+ titles like Doom because they lacked the required payment method.
According to a recent update from Steam Support, the platform will now automatically consider an account age verified if it is at least nine years old. This verification also requires the account to have maintained a consistent email address or billing information over that period. The move provides a significant relief for long-time users who previously found themselves locked out of mature-rated games due to the strict credit card mandate.
Account Age Replaces Credit Card Requirement
The previous system, implemented two months ago to comply with local laws, relied heavily on the presence of a linked credit card. This approach proved problematic for a large segment of the Australian population, many of whom do not possess credit cards. Overnight, these users lost the ability to browse or purchase games rated R18+ on the Steam store.
The new policy retains the credit card option but adds the account age criterion as a primary alternative. Valve states that accounts meeting the nine-year threshold and maintaining consistent contact or billing details will be granted verified status. This shift acknowledges the historical data inherent in older accounts as a reliable proxy for age, rather than relying solely on current financial instruments.
However, the requirement for consistency introduces its own set of conditions. Users who have changed both their email address and physical billing address within the last nine years may not qualify under this new rule. Valve has noted that this solution is not perfect for every user, particularly those with fragmented digital histories.
Valve Seeks Further Compliance Solutions
Valve has acknowledged that the current methods still do not cover all Australian users. In a statement, the company noted that it is aware not everyone can verify their age using the existing options. The developer is actively exploring additional ways to comply with Australia’s age verification rules while simultaneously limiting the amount of personal data it collects and stores from users.
This approach contrasts with other digital storefronts that have adopted more invasive verification methods. Competitors like the Microsoft Store utilize services such as VerifyMy, which can check email account history similar to YouTube’s system. Other platforms offer alternatives like ID scans or face scans through digital age assurance providers like Yoti. Valve appears to be prioritizing user privacy and data minimization over the implementation of biometric or document-based checks.
The update marks a pragmatic adjustment to regulatory pressures in Australia. By leveraging existing account longevity, Valve attempts to balance legal compliance with user accessibility. The long-term effectiveness of this method will depend on how strictly the consistency of billing and email information is enforced and whether further regulatory changes occur.
Source: PC Gamer
