Age Verification for Single Player Games on Steam: The Implications of the EU Kids Act

Proposed EU Kids Act: New Rules for Under-15s’ Online Access

Recently, the European Commission introduced the EU Kids Act, a draft legislation outlining rules for children under 15 accessing social media, AI chatbots, and online video games. The Act proposes a tiered system for governing the types of accounts minors can create to use such services, along with mandatory age verification for all users.

The official documents detailing the proposal have been released, raising concerns about the broad definition of online games outlined in the legislation. It appears that even single-player games connected to online platforms like Steam for updates or distribution could be impacted by the regulations unless the definition is revised before the law is finalized.

Prior to the official unveiling of the proposal, there was ambiguity surrounding the definition of “online games” and which types would be subject to the regulations. The current wording suggests a wide-ranging definition that could encompass various gaming platforms.

The proposal defines online games as interactive platforms where minors engage in playful or entertaining activities, including the dissemination of user-generated content and contact between users. The regulation aims to cover online games accessible on computers, mobile devices, or gaming consoles, regardless of payment methods or distribution channels.

Games exclusively available through physical media without online features are exempt from the regulation. However, games utilizing online components for updates or distribution fall under the scope of the legislation and require age verification.

If the Act is enacted, it may undergo revisions to ensure specific types of online games are targeted, particularly those resembling social media platforms that connect users with others and allow content sharing.

While the EU Kids Act is currently a proposal, further refinement of definitions is expected during the legislative process. The Act is likely to undergo revisions to clarify its impact on online games and ensure targeted enforcement.

As the legislation evolves, adjustments may be made to focus on online games with social features that enable interaction among players. Stay tuned for updates on this developing topic.