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Suffered Richard 5 Sep @ 10:53am
Alternatives for Age verification?
Alas, in order to get a credit card with some banks, you need to be eligible to apply for one. And while its a good a simple, good plan with little to no messing around. A fair few users may not be eligible for for a credit card for financial reasons.

The best solution is to revoke the UK online safety, but even with five times the required signatures required to be considered by parliament; parliament just said NO.
Since I can neither revoke the stupid law or obtain a credit card. I'm left with no option that to suggest an alternative method for age verification.

Idea 1: Verified friend. A verified individual can vouch safe an individual in their friends list to be over 18

Idea 2: Office visit: A quick visit to Valve's office with adequate documentation: Steam Guard on mobile, A valid UK passport and a print out of your Account information?

Idea 3: Sue Ofcom for affecting business sale. Because it is a FACT that many UK customers are not eligible for a credit card. (I know this wont happen but one can dream)

Idea 4: An way to validate one's age via use of passport, driver's licence or birth certificate photocopies
Yes I know its basic online safety to not give out that kind of information. But what choice do we have. The choice being use Steam and follow its rules, or Don't. Because right now, its just the games with sexual content. Eventually it will spread to any and all games that have an 18+ age rating, like DOOM for example; no sexual content or drug use, but plenty of Ultraviolence.
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Originally posted by Pocahawtness:
It's up to Valve what they implement, as long as it is Ofcom approved. Unfortunately, Valve chose the simplest and the one that probably has the most number of people who can't use it, because they don't have a credit card. It's entirely up to Valve as to whether they implement something else.

My guess is they will, just give them time.

The British government were told on numerous occasion that what they were doing was stupid. They didn't listen then, they won't listen now. In time they may realise how impossible it is to achieve what they are trying to do, and give up, but I wouldn't bank on that happening any time soon.
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Pocahawtness 5 Sep @ 11:12am 
It's up to Valve what they implement, as long as it is Ofcom approved. Unfortunately, Valve chose the simplest and the one that probably has the most number of people who can't use it, because they don't have a credit card. It's entirely up to Valve as to whether they implement something else.

My guess is they will, just give them time.

The British government were told on numerous occasion that what they were doing was stupid. They didn't listen then, they won't listen now. In time they may realise how impossible it is to achieve what they are trying to do, and give up, but I wouldn't bank on that happening any time soon.
#1
Nx Machina 5 Sep @ 11:19am 
1) A friend can lie.

2) Not an Ofcom requirement.

3) Have you started proceedings against Ofcom?

4) Not an Ofcom requirement.

Originally posted by Suffered Richard:
Because right now, its just the games with sexual content. Eventually it will spread to any and all games that have an 18+ age rating, like DOOM for example; no sexual content or drug use, but plenty of Ultraviolence.

Eventually it will spread is a definitive statement yet assumption is not a definitive answer.
Last edited by Nx Machina; 5 Sep @ 11:19am
#2
Crashed 5 Sep @ 11:23am 
Originally posted by Suffered Richard:
Alas, in order to get a credit card with some banks, you need to be eligible to apply for one. And while its a good a simple, good plan with little to no messing around. A fair few users may not be eligible for for a credit card for financial reasons.

The best solution is to revoke the UK online safety, but even with five times the required signatures required to be considered by parliament; parliament just said NO.
Since I can neither revoke the stupid law or obtain a credit card. I'm left with no option that to suggest an alternative method for age verification.

Idea 1: Verified friend. A verified individual can vouch safe an individual in their friends list to be over 18

Idea 2: Office visit: A quick visit to Valve's office with adequate documentation: Steam Guard on mobile, A valid UK passport and a print out of your Account information?

Idea 3: Sue Ofcom for affecting business sale. Because it is a FACT that many UK customers are not eligible for a credit card. (I know this wont happen but one can dream)

Idea 4: An way to validate one's age via use of passport, driver's licence or birth certificate photocopies
Yes I know its basic online safety to not give out that kind of information. But what choice do we have. The choice being use Steam and follow its rules, or Don't. Because right now, its just the games with sexual content. Eventually it will spread to any and all games that have an 18+ age rating, like DOOM for example; no sexual content or drug use, but plenty of Ultraviolence.
Please check for existing, active threads before making new ones.
Last edited by Crashed; 5 Sep @ 11:23am
#3
Rainbowable 5 Sep @ 1:01pm 
I'm in the boat of being unable to get a credit card, as I'm unemployed for health reasons.

I'm 31 years old, yet Valve isn't offering any way for me to prove it.

It's a stupid law that's causing nothing but issues worldwide.
#4
nullable 5 Sep @ 1:46pm 
Your ideas... were you high?

  1. Friend vouch for you? How many official interactions have you ever heard of anywhere that depend on that. That's some next level whimsy.
  2. How many people are going to travel 5,000 miles to prove they're an adult to buy video games? And what makes you think Valve wants people coming to their offices to verify anything? Extra bonus points for, every jagoff who loses their passport or something and has some kind of insane meltdown over not being able to prove adulthood after traveling 5,000 miles.
  3. An idea so ridiculous you shoot it down yourself, but you needed to pad your topic? Are you expecting Valve to sue Ofcom? You do understand that suing someone doesn't guarantee a victory right?
  4. If Valve wants to add additional options, they will. If they don't, they won't. They didn't forget other options. Keep in mind Valve already handles credit cards so that's low hanging fruit. Other options might be significantly more work to implement, even if they want to, so you'll just have to be patient as opposed to entertaining yourself with nonsense ideas. After all would you prefer Valve offer no options until such a time they were able to offer all options? Or is doing what you can right now a reasonable compromise while you work on improvements. If you think the latter is a good idea, you might just need to practice some patience.
#5
nullable 5 Sep @ 1:53pm 
Originally posted by Rainbowable:
I'm in the boat of being unable to get a credit card, as I'm unemployed for health reasons.

I'm 31 years old, yet Valve isn't offering any way for me to prove it.

It's a stupid law that's causing nothing but issues worldwide.

You know that the only thing stopping Valve from just restricting adult content from all UK users is the fact that credit cards are an approved option. Just ask German users about that.

I wonder what tune you'd be singing if Valve just excluded all UK users even though credit card verification could be enough, and Valve just wasn't willing to do anything to verify user ages.
#6
Deadmonk 5 Sep @ 2:38pm 
it is my opinion that Steam should implement what some other sites and companies that are under the new laws, the use of a system like Yoti ID, where the person requires the app on their phone with a valid identification. When required to verify ones age, a QR code is shown that they must scan through the app, which then verifies with the stored I.D for that particular user.

Either that or Steam should provide alternatives for how to verify an account users proper age as many others are doing, which provides greater service to the users as they have a choice on which method of verification they are most comfortable with using.

Who knows maybe this is merely a temporary solution for steam whilst they get themselves in order, a means of upholding the law whilst working to a better solution.
Last edited by Deadmonk; 5 Sep @ 2:39pm
#7
Crashed 5 Sep @ 4:26pm 
Originally posted by nullable:
Your ideas... were you high?

  1. Friend vouch for you? How many official interactions have you ever heard of anywhere that depend on that. That's some next level whimsy.
  2. How many people are going to travel 5,000 miles to prove they're an adult to buy video games? And what makes you think Valve wants people coming to their offices to verify anything? Extra bonus points for, every jagoff who loses their passport or something and has some kind of insane meltdown over not being able to prove adulthood after traveling 5,000 miles.
  3. An idea so ridiculous you shoot it down yourself, but you needed to pad your topic? Are you expecting Valve to sue Ofcom? You do understand that suing someone doesn't guarantee a victory right?
  4. If Valve wants to add additional options, they will. If they don't, they won't. They didn't forget other options. Keep in mind Valve already handles credit cards so that's low hanging fruit. Other options might be significantly more work to implement, even if they want to, so you'll just have to be patient as opposed to entertaining yourself with nonsense ideas. After all would you prefer Valve offer no options until such a time they were able to offer all options? Or is doing what you can right now a reasonable compromise while you work on improvements. If you think the latter is a good idea, you might just need to practice some patience.
Guessing since it apparently only affects porn games at this time, there is little incentive for Valve to do more than the bare minimum.
#8
Rainbowable 5 Sep @ 7:38pm 
Originally posted by nullable:
Originally posted by Rainbowable:
I'm in the boat of being unable to get a credit card, as I'm unemployed for health reasons.

I'm 31 years old, yet Valve isn't offering any way for me to prove it.

It's a stupid law that's causing nothing but issues worldwide.

You know that the only thing stopping Valve from just restricting adult content from all UK users is the fact that credit cards are an approved option. Just ask German users about that.

I wonder what tune you'd be singing if Valve just excluded all UK users even though credit card verification could be enough, and Valve just wasn't willing to do anything to verify user ages.

The situation for German users is bad, too. It's been bad for a while and it's a huge injustice that nothing has changed.

And speaking for my own situation, my experience would be no different if they were blocked outright in the UK because I can't get a credit card regardless, like I said. Feels like you're just being sassy to be sassy.
#9
TheStoryteller01 6 Sep @ 5:41am 
Originally posted by Suffered Richard:
Because it is a FACT that many UK customers are not eligible for a credit card.

What are the reasons why someone who is 18+ is not elegible for a credit card?
#10
Ferox_Stormdragon 6 Sep @ 6:28am 
Originally posted by TheStoryteller01:
Originally posted by Suffered Richard:
Because it is a FACT that many UK customers are not eligible for a credit card.

What are the reasons why someone who is 18+ is not elegible for a credit card?

poor credit rating, CCJ's, low income or employment status.
#11
Macro 6 Sep @ 6:29am 
Originally posted by TheStoryteller01:
Originally posted by Suffered Richard:
Because it is a FACT that many UK customers are not eligible for a credit card.

What are the reasons why someone who is 18+ is not elegible for a credit card?
1. No credit history

Credit card issuers need to assess your ability to repay debt.

If you’ve never had a loan, overdraft, or another form of credit, they have no record of your financial behavior, making them hesitant to approve a card.

2. Poor or negative credit history

Previous defaults, late payments, bankruptcies, or debt management plans make you high risk.

Credit bureaus record this information, and banks often reject applicants with bad credit.

3. Insufficient income

Credit cards require a minimum income to ensure you can repay.

Students, part-time workers, or people without regular income might be declined.

4. High existing debt

If you already owe a lot (loans, mortgages, other credit cards), issuers may refuse new credit to avoid over-indebtedness.

5. Being on certain official lists

People on fraud, sanctions, or anti-money-laundering watchlists may be automatically rejected.



6. Residency or identification issues

Some banks require permanent UK residency.

Lack of proper ID or proof of address can prevent approval.

7. Age barely meets minimum

18 is the minimum in the UK, but some banks require you to be 21 or older for certain types of credit cards.

These are my guesses, but hey: it’s not only in the UK that people might be unable to get a credit card. Besides, you don’t necessarily need one in Europe.

So basically, you’re screwed if the bank says, “duhh, nope.”
Last edited by Macro; 6 Sep @ 6:36am
#12
Ferox_Stormdragon 6 Sep @ 6:33am 
Valve chose the credit card method because they already have those systems in-place, the other methods need 3rd party integration which Valve is very hesitant to do, they prefer to keep things in-house as much as possible.

Visiting Valves office in the UK is not an ofcom approved method and even if it was.. Valve doesn't have any offices in the UK.
#13
Feirfek 6 Sep @ 7:26am 
This is a joke i am in the same boat never had a credit card and quite frankly don't want one Steam's really dropped the ball with this and having only one way to prove your over the 18 year old is idiotic. especially when a quick check of people's accounts can show how old the account is 20 years so yes there should be other way and OFCOM need to ♥♥♥♥ off and the UK Government needs to get its head bloody checked with all the ♥♥♥♥ they get caught doing
#14
Ferox_Stormdragon 6 Sep @ 9:11am 
Originally posted by Feirfek:
This is a joke i am in the same boat never had a credit card and quite frankly don't want one Steam's really dropped the ball with this and having only one way to prove your over the 18 year old is idiotic. especially when a quick check of people's accounts can show how old the account is 20 years so yes there should be other way and OFCOM need to ♥♥♥♥ off and the UK Government needs to get its head bloody checked with all the ♥♥♥♥ they get caught doing

if Valve wants to do business in the UK, they need to follow UK laws.
#15
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All Discussions > Steam Forums > Suggestions / Ideas > Topic Details
Date Posted: 5 Sep @ 10:53am
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