Steam assigns every user a permanent Steam ID at account creation but does not require real name verification, meaning minors can create accounts without triggering age-specific data protections unless Steam implements separate age-verification measures.
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
The provision specifies the minimum data collection requirements necessary to establish account functionality and defines the identifier system used to manage user accounts without storing personally identifying information in the reference field itself.
The removal of provisions addressing minors' data protection and age restrictions eliminates specific safeguards for children's data, which is a high-severity omission under privacy regulations like COPPA and GDPR.
View full change record →Because Steam does not require real name or age verification at account setup, minors may be using the platform without triggering COPPA protections — meaning their game statistics, device identifiers, and behavioral data may be collected and shared with third parties without parental consent.
How other platforms handle this
You must be at least 13 years old to use our Services. If you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to use our Services. Certain Services or features may have higher age requirements.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any access to, or use of, the Service by anyone who is a minor (which is under the age of 18 in most jurisdictions) in any applicable jurisdiction (a "Minor") is strictly prohibited and in violation of these Terms, unless such access and/or use is su...
"When setting up an Account, Valve will collect your email address and country of residence. You are also required to choose a user name and a password. The provision of this information is necessary to register a Steam User Account. During setup of your account, the account is automatically assigned a number (the "Steam ID") that is later used to reference your user account without directly exposing Personally Identifying Information about you. We do not require you to provide or use your real name for the setup of a Steam User Account.Excerpt from Steam's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: COPPA (15 U.S.C.
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The provision specifies the minimum data collection requirements necessary to establish account functionality and defines the identifier system used to manage user accounts without storing personally identifying information in the reference field itself.
Because Steam does not require real name or age verification at account setup, minors may be using the platform without triggering COPPA protections — meaning their game statistics, device identifiers, and behavioral data may be collected and shared with third parties without parental consent.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 2 platforms. See the full comparison.
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