Turkey Moves to Tighten Regulations on Steam and Epic Games Store
The Turkish Ministry of Family and Social Services is proposing a new draft law aimed at tightening regulations on gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance oversight of digital gaming in the country.
Key Regulations Proposed
The new regulations would require major gaming platforms to establish official representations within Turkey. This requirement targets companies with substantial daily user counts, though the specific threshold has not been disclosed.
Content Regulation and Age Ratings
- All games must receive age ratings from recognized systems such as PEGI and ESRB.
- Games lacking a valid rating will be banned from sale in Turkey.
- Platforms are encouraged to respect local cultural values when offering their games.
Oversight and Enforcement
The Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Turkey will oversee these compliance measures. Their powers will include:
- Demanding the removal or alteration of games deemed inappropriate.
- Requesting access to user data and logs for compliance checks.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If gaming stores fail to adhere to these regulations, Turkish authorities could impose significant restrictions. A potential sanction could involve throttling the platforms’ bandwidth by up to 90%, effectively blocking access to these services in Turkey.
Current Status of the Draft Law
The draft law is still under revision and has not yet been presented to the Turkish parliament for approval. Stakeholders in the gaming industry are closely monitoring its development, as its implementation could reshape the gaming landscape in Turkey.
This tightening of regulations on Steam and Epic Games Store reflects Turkey’s commitment to regulating digital platforms while addressing cultural sensitivities. The outcome of this draft law could have far-reaching implications for both gamers and developers in the region.
