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Steam
| Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 2003 |
| Product Type | Video Game Distribution Platform |
| In Production | Yes |
| Official Website | https://store.steampowered.com |
Steam is a digital video game distribution service and storefront operated by Valve Corporation. Launched in 2003, it has grown to become the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming, with over 130 million monthly active users as of 2024. The platform offers digital rights management (DRM), server hosting, video streaming, and social networking services.[1]
Consumer Protection Profile
Privacy
Status: Moderate Concerns
- Collects extensive personal data including email, location, payment details, and device information[2]
- Tracks detailed gaming behavior including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage[2]
- Records and stores all user communications through platform features[2]
- Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure[2]
- Keeps certain user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion[2]
- Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers[2]
- Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API[2]
- Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites[2]
Transparency
Status: Minor Concerns
- Provides clear refund policy for games (any game played less than 2 hours within 14 days)[3]
- Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games[3]
- Offers comprehensive privacy policy in accessible language[2]
- Unclear processes for account termination and data removal[2]
- Limited transparency about content moderation decisions[3]
- Vague about specific data retention timeframes[2]
- No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors[2]
Freedom
Status: Significant Concerns
- Users do not own purchased games, only receive limited licenses[3]
- Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion[3]
- No right to transfer or resell purchased games[3]
- Forces operating system updates to maintain game access[3]
- Mandatory client updates required to access library[3]
- Many single-player games require online connectivity[3]
- Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing[3]
- Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice[3]
- Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content[3]
- No option to opt out of core data collection while using service[2]
Consumer Protection Incidents
Terms of Service Modification (Sep. 2024)
In September 2024, Steam implemented significant changes to its subscriber agreement that altered user rights and game ownership terms. Additionally, they removed forced arbitration from the Steam Subscriber Agreement.[4][5] Key changes included:
- Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations
- Additional data collection and sharing provisions
- Modified dispute resolution procedures
Customer Database Hack (Oct. 2011)
In October 2011, Valve was forced to temporarily close the Steam Community forums following security breach concerns. Days later, the company confirmed that hackers had compromised one of its customer databases. The compromised database contained user information including encrypted credit card numbers, billing addresses, purchase histories, email addresses, and encrypted Steam account passwords.[6]
At the time of disclosure, Valve stated they had no evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or personally identifying information had been taken, nor was there evidence that the encryption on the credit card numbers or passwords had been cracked. However, they advised users to closely monitor their credit card activity and statements as a precautionary measure.
References
- ↑ "At Valve we make games, Steam, and hardware." Valve Corporation. 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 "Privacy Policy Agreement." Steam. February 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 "Steam Subscriber Agreement." Steam. September 26, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ↑ Carpenter, Nicole (September 27, 2024). "Valve removes arbitration from its Steam agreements — here's what that means for you". Polygon. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ↑ Rossmann, Louis (September 27, 2024). "Steam altered the terms of the sale; you'll be happy they altered it further!" YouTube. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ↑ Johnson, Casey (November 10, 2011). "Valve confirms Steam hack: credit cards, personal info may be stolen". Ars Technica. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
