Damn report from An “unprecedented” amount of racist and violent content posted on the Steam Community on Thursday prompted a US senator to take action. in the letter mentioned by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) asked Valve CEO Gabe Newell how he and his company solved the problem.
“My concern is compounded by the fact that Steam is the world’s largest single online game digital distribution and social networking platform, with over 100 million unique user accounts and a user base similar in scale to ‘traditional social media and social networking.’ platforms,” Warner wrote.
The senator also cited Steam’s online conduct policy, which states that users “may not upload or post illegal or inappropriate content.” [including] [real] or disturbing depictions of violence” or “offensive to other users or Steam employees”.
“Valve must bring its content moderation practices in line with industry standards or face greater scrutiny from the federal government for its complicity in allowing hate groups to assemble and engage in activities that undoubtedly put Americans at risk,” Warner wrote.
Congress doesn’t have the ability to take action on Valve or any other platform, other than highlighting the issue through letters and committee hearings. In June, the government overturned two state laws that prevented officials from contacting social media companies about objectionable content.
It’s also not the first time Congress has raised concerns with Valve about extremist and racist content created by users or players on one of its products. In 2023, he sent a letter to Newell expressing his concerns about players using and spreading racist language in Valve’s multiplayer online arena game. Dota 2.
We’ve reached out to Valve for comment. We’ll update this story if we get a statement or reaction from Valve.
