Steam: Difference between revisions

{{StubNotice}}

| Title = Steam

| Release Year = 2003

| Product Type = Video Game Distribution Platform

| In Production = Yes

| Official Website = https://store.steampowered.com

| Logo = Steam.png

==== Privacy ====

* Collects extensive personal data including email, location, payment details, and device information<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://store.steampowered.com/privacy_agreement/ "Privacy Policy Agreement."] ''Steam''. February 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

* Tracks detailed gaming behavior including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Records and stores all user communications through platform features<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Keeps certain user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

==== Transparency ====

* Provides clear refund policy for games (any game played less than 2 hours within 14 days)<ref name="subscriber-agreement">[https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement "Steam Subscriber Agreement."] ''Steam''. September 26, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

* Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Offers comprehensive privacy policy in accessible language<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Unclear processes for account termination and data removal<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* Limited transparency about content moderation decisions<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Vague about specific data retention timeframes<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

* No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

==== Freedom ====

* Users do not own purchased games, only receive limited licenses<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* No right to transfer or resell purchased games<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Forces operating system updates to maintain game access<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Mandatory client updates required to access library<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Many single-player games require online connectivity<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content<ref name="subscriber-agreement"/>

* No option to opt out of core data collection while using service<ref name="privacy-policy"/>

== 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|forced arbitration]] from the Steam Subscriber Agreement.<ref>Carpenter, Nicole (September 27, 2024). [https://www.polygon.com/explained/457557/valve-arbitration-steam-subscriber-agreements "Valve removes arbitration from its Steam agreements — here's what that means for you"]. ''Polygon''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref><ref>Rossmann, Louis (September 27, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f81qXxggo8 "Steam altered the terms of the sale; you'll be happy they altered it further!"] ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref> Key changes included:

* Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations

* Expanded rights to modify or remove access to purchased content<!-- change purchased to licensed? -->

==== 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.<ref>Johnson, Casey (November 10, 2011). [https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/11/valve-confirms-steam-hack-credit-cards-personal-info-may-be-stolen/ "Valve confirms Steam hack: credit cards, personal info may be stolen"]. ''Ars Technica''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

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 ==

[[Category:Product Line]][[Category:Companies]][[Category:Product]][[Category:Company]]