Provision record
Steam · Steam Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Game Developers Access User Game Data Via Steamworks

High severity High confidence Explicit document language Common · 288 of 352 platforms

Key Facts

Who has access to information relating to users of games they operate?
Steam states that game developers and publishers have access, via the Steamworks API, to certain information directly relating to users of the games they operate, including at minimum the user's ownership of the game in question.
Do game developers have access via the Steamworks API?
Steam states that game developers and publishers have access, via the Steamworks API, to certain information directly relating to users of the games they operate, including at minimum the user's ownership of the game in question.
What information do game developers have access to?
Steam states that game developers and publishers have access, via the Steamworks API, to certain information directly relating to users of the games they operate, including at minimum the user's ownership of the game in question.
Stay ahead of the changes
Track Steam and get the diff the day its terms change.
Share 𝕏 Share in Share 🔒 PDF

This analysis describes what Steam's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

The claim establishes that user data is shared with third-party developers and publishers through a defined technical channel, and that ownership data is a baseline minimum of what is disclosed.

Interpretive note: The excerpt states 'as a minimum,' which implies additional data categories may be accessible to developers and publishers beyond game ownership. These are not enumerated and therefore not stated in the canonical claim.

Clause Stability Stable

0
Changes
4
Months Monitored
Jul 10, 2026
First Seen
Jul 10, 2026
Last Seen
This clause type exists across 4429 other provisions on other platforms.

Consumer impact (what this means for users)

Developers and publishers of games you use can access at least your game ownership information through the Steamworks API.

How other platforms handle this

Tinder Medium

we may share data between our affiliates for the safety and security of our users and may take necessary actions if we believe you have violated these Terms, including banning you from our Services and/or our affiliates' services...

Skillshare Medium

Where you provide consent, we share your information as described at the time of consent, such as when authorizing a third-party application or website to access your Skillshare account...

Squarespace Medium

Each payment processor uses and processes your complete payment information in accordance with its applicable privacy policy (Stripe and PayPal).

See all platforms with this clause type →
▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
game developers and publishers have access to certain information from the Steamworks API directly relating to the users of the games they operate. This information includes as a minimum your ownership of the game in question.

Excerpt from Steam's Privacy Policy

Applicable regulations

CCPA/CPRA
California, USA
COPPA
United States Federal
Connecticut Data Privacy Act Amendments
US-CT
CAN-SPAM
United States Federal
FTC Act Section 5
United States Federal
GDPR
European Union
Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act
US-IN
Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act
US-KY
UK GDPR
United Kingdom
Universal Opt-Out Mechanism Expansion 2026
US
VPPA
United States Federal

Provision details

Document information
Document
Steam Privacy Policy
Entity
Steam
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
May 8, 2026
Last verified
May 10, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-028429
Document ID
CA-D-00182
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
769fb14c3e065cae8a4ba8c41e922ec685b1de5323884cd0d8281a18c4b2e722
Analysis generated
May 8, 2026 11:44 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Steam
Document: Steam Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-028429
Captured: 2026-05-08 11:44:27 UTC
SHA-256: 769fb14c3e065cae…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/steam/steam-privacy-policy/provision/CA-P-028429/game-developers-access-user-game-data-via-steamworks/
Accessed: Aug. 19, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

Other risks in this policy

Related Analysis

Get the research letter

Companies change their terms quietly. We read every version and catch what actually changed. One email a week on the changes that matter and what they mean.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Steam's Game Developers Access User Game Data Via Steamworks clause do?

The claim establishes that user data is shared with third-party developers and publishers through a defined technical channel, and that ownership data is a baseline minimum of what is disclosed.

How does this clause affect you?

Developers and publishers of games you use can access at least your game ownership information through the Steamworks API.

How many platforms have this type of clause?

ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 288 platforms. See the full comparison.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Steam?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Steam.