Steam uses cookies, pixels, ad tags, and device identifiers to track how you use its websites and services, including for marketing purposes. Your IP address is automatically logged every time you visit Steam's services.
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 clause establishes Steam's technical infrastructure for collecting behavioral data through standardized internet tracking mechanisms and specifies the user controls available to manage this collection. This authorization enables Steam to gather usage analytics that inform service optimization and marketing decisions.
Steam's use of ad tags and pixels means your browsing behavior on Steam may be shared with advertising partners and used to build a behavioral profile, and your IP address is logged on every visit — both of which have significant privacy implications for users who assume they are only interacting with Steam.
How other platforms handle this
We automatically collect certain information from your device, including information about your web browser, IP address, time zone, and some of the cookies that are installed on your device. Additionally, as you browse the Service, we collect information about the individual web pages or products th...
"By clicking 'Next', you are indicating that you have read and agree to the TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY POLICY"
Location data. Data about your device's location, which can be either precise or imprecise. For example, we collect location data using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) and data about nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots. Location can also be inferred from a device's IP address...
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"We use "Cookies", which are text files placed on your computer, and similar technologies (e.g. web beacons, pixels, ad tags and device identifiers) to help us analyze how users use our services, as well as to improve the services we are offering, to improve marketing, analytics or website functionality. The use of Cookies is standard on the internet. Although most web browsers automatically accept cookies, the decision of whether to accept or not is yours. You may adjust your browser settings to prevent the reception of cookies, or to provide notification whenever a cookie is sent to you. You can manage the use of optional cookies by clicking on the "Cookies setting" page accessible via the cookie banner displayed when you first visit our website and at any time through the Cookie Settings page available here. When you visit any of our services, our servers log your IP address, which is a number that is automatically assigned to the network your computer is part of.— Excerpt from Steam's Steam Privacy Policy
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision engages the EU ePrivacy Directive (2002/58/EC, as amended), which requires prior informed consent for non-essential cookies (including analytics and advertising cookies), as implemented in national law (UK PECR SI 2003/2426). GDPR Art. 6 applies to the underlying personal data processing. CCPA §1798.120 grants California residents the right to opt out of 'sale' of personal information, which may be triggered by ad tag data sharing with third-party advertising networks. FTC Act Section 5 applies to deceptive tracking disclosures.
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The clause establishes Steam's technical infrastructure for collecting behavioral data through standardized internet tracking mechanisms and specifies the user controls available to manage this collection. This authorization enables Steam to gather usage analytics that inform service optimization and marketing decisions.
Steam's use of ad tags and pixels means your browsing behavior on Steam may be shared with advertising partners and used to build a behavioral profile, and your IP address is logged on every visit — both of which have significant privacy implications for users who assume they are only interacting with Steam.
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