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Payment Processors

All articles tagged with #payment processors

Gaming Platforms and Payment Processors Censoring NSFW and LGBTQ+ Content Amid Industry Backlash
technology7 months ago

Gaming Platforms and Payment Processors Censoring NSFW and LGBTQ+ Content Amid Industry Backlash

Itch.io is seeking alternative payment processors after pressure from Stripe and PayPal led to the deindexing of most adult games on their platform, amid concerns over censorship and content moderation. They clarify that existing rules are not meant to punish legitimate creators and are actively reaching out to more accommodating payment providers, while also addressing user concerns about access and funds. The situation highlights ongoing issues with online censorship and the influence of payment processors on content availability.

Payment Processors Censoring NSFW and LGBTQ+ Games Sparks Gamer Backlash
technology7 months ago

Payment Processors Censoring NSFW and LGBTQ+ Games Sparks Gamer Backlash

Gamers and developers are protesting against the censorship of NSFW games, which is often enforced through financial censorship by payment processors like Stripe, Visa, and PayPal, impacting what can be sold or hosted online. Industry groups emphasize the importance of artistic freedom and warn that such restrictions threaten creative expression, with some organizations gathering information to oppose overly cautious enforcement that leads to self-censorship.

Controversy Mounts Over Censorship and Payment Restrictions on Adult Games
technology7 months ago

Controversy Mounts Over Censorship and Payment Restrictions on Adult Games

Itch.io is seeking new payment processors more willing to handle adult content after delisting many NSFW games due to policies from companies like PayPal and Stripe. The platform is conducting an audit to comply with these regulations, which were influenced by external pressure from activist groups and larger corporations like Valve. They acknowledge the vagueness of their current content restrictions and are exploring stricter age-gating and better classification, while also addressing user concerns about game access and payment withholding. The situation highlights ongoing debates about content moderation, corporate influence, and the regulation of adult material in digital platforms.

Gaming Platforms Face Backlash Over Censorship of Adult Content
technology7 months ago

Gaming Platforms Face Backlash Over Censorship of Adult Content

Steam and itch.io have recently cracked down on adult content, removing or deindexing games following pressure from advocacy groups and the influence of payment processors, which are wary of risks and moral concerns associated with adult and controversial themes. This has led to increased censorship, uncertainty for developers, and concerns about the impact on artistic expression and representation, especially for LGBTQ and niche communities.

Visa and Mastercard face backlash over censorship of adult content on gaming platforms
technology7 months ago

Visa and Mastercard face backlash over censorship of adult content on gaming platforms

Visa and Mastercard have pressured platforms like Itch.io and Steam to delist or restrict 'adult' games, impacting many LGBTQ+ and indie developers. This move, driven by anti-porn groups like Collective Shout, raises concerns about censorship, free speech, and the marginalization of marginalized communities, with affected developers warning that such bans are often broad, vague, and harmful to artistic expression and community safety.

Gaming Marketplaces Face Backlash Over Censorship of Adult Content
technology7 months ago

Gaming Marketplaces Face Backlash Over Censorship of Adult Content

Thousands of adult-themed games have been removed from Steam and itch.io due to new rules from payment processors like MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal, prompted by campaigns from groups like Collective Shout against sexualized content, leading to broader censorship and industry concerns about the power of payment companies over digital content.

The Impact of Payment Policies and Content Restrictions on the Video Game Industry
technology7 months ago

The Impact of Payment Policies and Content Restrictions on the Video Game Industry

Two online gaming marketplaces, Itch.io and Steam, have removed adult-only content due to new regulations from payment processors like Mastercard and Visa, which restrict certain types of content to comply with their standards. This move has sparked a petition with over 80,000 signatures protesting the policy changes, arguing that they allow credit card companies to police personal choices based on moral values rather than legality.