A UK-based Steam user has claimed that the PC storefront prompted them to verify if they were 18, despite their Steam account being 19 years old. The unusual case, which amused many gamers on social media, highlights Valve’s new compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA).
Why the Prompt Happened
Since at least August 29, Valve has rolled out new age-verification measures for UK users in order to comply with the OSA. Originally passed in 2023, the law has been gradually enforced over time. To meet its requirements, Steam now relies on a saved credit card to confirm whether an account holder is over 18.
This means users under 18 are restricted from accessing mature-rated games and their related community hubs. In other regions, Steam typically allows access by simply entering a date of birth, without requiring additional checks.
The Viral Case
In a lighthearted example of the new law in action, Twitter user Christina Tasty shared a screenshot of being asked to verify their age despite reportedly owning a 19-year-old Steam account.
The user noted that while the process wasn’t invasive, they were surprised to see the prompt—especially since it appeared when they attempted to visit the store page of a game they already owned.
The post sparked a wave of similar responses, with other veteran Steam users sharing their account ages and joking about being asked to “prove adulthood.” Many commenters pointed out that the real issue lies with the UK law itself rather than Valve’s policies.
Wider Impact on Steam
The OSA’s enforcement comes during a broader shift on Valve’s platform regarding adult content. Some mature or adult-oriented games have recently been delisted due to new restrictions tied to payment processor rules from Visa and Mastercard. Similar measures also affected indie platform Itch.io, which later restored some content following community backlash.
Balancing Compliance and User Experience
While the OSA aims to protect minors from inappropriate content online, the requirement has created amusing and sometimes frustrating situations for long-standing adult users. For Steam, the challenge remains finding a balance between regulatory compliance and maintaining a smooth experience for its loyal player base.