Frustration with Steam's Age Verification Process
Frustrated by Steam’s repeated age verification prompts? It seems like Valve’s online store is intent on making users jump through hoops, as it consistently asks users for their birthdate even after they’ve proved their age. Despite this, it’s not necessarily the worst thing in the world, and there’s even a reason behind it, so let’s address the reason behind Steam’s repeated age verification.
The most common complaint is that, despite having one’s card details saved, Steam still insists on asking for one’s date of birth. Some users humorously share the ancient birth years they use to bypass the age verification. Other users point out that Steam is likely playing it safe to avoid any legal issues or liability.
“In some countries, you can’t collect data on minors,” one user points out. “Imagine someone under 18 sharing their account with an adult and buying 18+ games,” another adds. While this is certainly true, there are other solutions that don’t require repeatedly asking users for their birthdates.
Some users discuss the irony of Steam being aware of their card details but still needing to verify their age. “It’s like they know my credit card number, but they need to know my credit card number,” another user comments, making a reference to the fact that Steam does not store users’ credit card numbers on their servers.
Others chime in with their thoughts on the longevity of their Steam accounts. “Wow, I’ve had this account for almost 20 years,” one user writes. “I just realized that,” another replies. “I guess I’ve been registered for longer than I’ve been alive,” another user adds.
The reasoning behind Steam’s repeated age verification is addressed by one user, who explains that storing birthdays goes against privacy regulations. “The EU’s GDPR actually covers this,” they continue. “If you have a database with birthdays, you have to delete them at some point.” Another user suggests that Steam is likely implementing the same rules globally to stay compliant with various agencies and regulations.
“The same stores that sell you cigarettes in Canada apply the same laws to their chains across the country,” they continue, comparing it to how Steam could be applying the strictest province’s legislation to its stores nationally. Another user offers a similar solution, suggesting that the repeated age verification is a local step-up authentication process for each game.
A user expresses their dissatisfaction with Steam, stating that it has always been subpar in their opinion. “My Steam account has been around for as long as I have, and it’s still just as bad as the day I made it,” they write. Another user mentions how their experience has been different, with them loving Steam. “But then again, your experience is different because you’re not a big boy,” the original poster replies.
“I think that’s the thing,” another user chimes in. “Our experience of Steam is all based on our age.” The uniqueness of Steam’s age verification issue is brought up, with users noting that other software they use doesn’t have the same problem. “It’s not software, it’s games,” another user explains, pointing out that Valve is likely preventing account sharing or selling, although they add that account sharing is illegal.
“I’m glad Steam has the problem of kids lying about their age,” a user shares. “Me too,” another replies. “It’s a serious problem.” The original poster then shares the date they use to bypass the age verification, to which another user replies, “You’re ten years old,” to which the original poster replies, “Jokes on you, I’m twelve.”
“Steam is just plain insecure about its age,” another user writes. “It’s like a kid that thinks everything on the internet is fake,” they continue, making a reference to the fact that Steam doesn’t ask for age verification when making purchases.
