Steam Begins Implementing Mandatory Age Verification in Australia Amid Issues

A new age verification system in Steam blocks users from buying or even viewing R18+ games if they do not have a credit card.

Valve has begun rolling out mandatory age verification for R18+-rated games in the Australian version of Steam. The change went into effect due to new Australian legal requirements.

However, Valve chose an unusual method to confirm adulthood. Currently, users are asked to add a valid Australian credit card to their account and then update their Mature Content Preferences. Steam does not offer any other age verification methods at this time. Furthermore, users report that debit cards do not work.

The restriction also applies beyond direct purchases. Without completing the check, Australian users cannot even see the store page for a restricted game.

Choosing a credit card as the sole official method has already caused backlash among Australian players. Having a credit card is not guaranteed for every adult user, as individuals may not meet bank requirements, may lack sufficient creditworthiness, or may choose not to use credit products on principle. As a result, an adult Steam owner can lose access even to a game page simply because they lack a qualifying card.

Valve appears to have intentionally chosen this approach to minimize the collection of personal data. When introducing a similar system in the UK previously, the company explained that using a bank card avoids more sensitive methods like uploading identification documents or facial scanning.