Steam's forums are an enjoyable place to be when you are discussing the latest happening in the gaming world. It is common to run into internet trolls and the likes, but there is nothing like keeping up with the spam comments giving people unsafe links to click through. Some of those links directed to Counter Strike: Global Offensive skin trading and gambling sites, and other non-safe places where they ask you for sensitive and personal information.
Recently, Steam users went to Reddit to report a new message that appeared to them for a few seconds whenever they comment in forum threads. Not only that, it apparently shows for users as well who are posting reviews of their recently played games.
Reportedly, the following message normally only shows for a few seconds before your comment gets approved, which means the comment moderation bot is only looking for links or any harmful content.
"This comment is awaiting analysis by our automated content check system. It will be temporarily hidden until we verify that it does not contain harmful content (e.g. links to websites that attempt to steal information)."
The CS:GO forums were the first to notice this new addition around 5 days before anyone since it is the most plagued with unsafe and phishing links. A Steam moderator responded on one of the posts, expressing the different types of messages users can get when their comment is under moderation.
1a. Needs to be checked (automated), or if it fails,
1b. Needs to be checked (manual)
2. Is marked not spam and thus visible (if 1a less than a minute, if 1b it will take longer)
3. Is deemed unsure, needs checking
3. Is deemed spam and poster is banned, and all 'upvoting' accounts.
He also explained elsewhere that it was rolled out there first, before expanding to other areas. This follows an increase in moderation Valve began in 2018, when they began to handle most reports, exempting only those developers who opted out after articles came out highlighting issues with Steam's moderation.
Update
Valve replied with the following statement:
Yes, we are scanning the forums and hiding posts that contain links to malicious sites attempting to steal user’s Steam information. We are always looking for ways to improve with new updates, fixes, and features.
What do you think of Valve's new approach to moderating comments for any abusive or inappropriate language? Is this going to make the Steam forums a safer place for everyone to enjoy and voice their opinions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.
