In a surprising turn of events, Steam, the popular digital distribution platform, has introduced a new rule that has led to the banning of certain games. According to a recent report by Automaton, Steam has added a clause to its guidelines that prohibits content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by its payment processors, card networks, and banks, as well as internet network providers.
This new policy effectively hands over significant control to credit card companies(Visa and Mastercard), allowing them to potentially dictate what content is permissible on the platform. If these financial institutions deem a game’s content to be in violation of their policies, the game could face removal from Steam. The clause specifically mentions that it will impact “certain kinds of adult-only content.”
Already impacting
It appears that the new rule has already resulted in numerous games being pulled from the platform. The majority of the affected titles contain explicit sexual themes, with many including the word “incest” in their names. SteamDB, a database that tracks various aspects of Steam, does not provide a specific reason for these removals, but the timing suggests a direct correlation with the new policy.
This development may seem puzzling at first glance, but payment processors have long been resistant to facilitating transactions involving adult content. The rationale behind their opposition is often rooted in concerns over inadequate safeguards against illegal content on adult-only platforms.
Censorship again
This is not the first time Mastercard and Visa have taken action against adult content websites. For instance, both companies blocked the use of their cards on Pornhub in 2020. Mastercard further reinforced its stance in 2021 by adding language to its “Specialty Merchant Registration” requirements, stating that banks connecting merchants to their network must certify that adult content sellers have effective controls in place to monitor, block, and remove illegal content.
PayPal has also been involved in similar controversies regarding content policies and censorship on digital platforms. Notably, PayPal had terminated its services with Itch.io, an indie game marketplace, citing violations of its acceptable use policies, despite Itch.io’s efforts to comply with all regulations. Similarly, Gumroad, a platform for creators to sell digital products, faced issues with PayPal when accounts were suspended due to the sale of adult or controversial content.
While very few may lament the removal of games with titles like “Sex Adventures – Incest Family,” the new rule has sparked criticism from Steam users. They argue that it establishes a troubling precedent, characterizing it as the “quiet normalization of financial censorship.” The concern is that if gigantic financial institutions can decide what content is appropriate, it may eventually affect regular games.
One Steam user points out that “queer content gets flagged as ‘explicit’ even when it’s PG,” a sentiment shared by others. Another user describes this policy change as a “trojan horse,” seemingly innocuous at first glance but potentially harboring harmful implications.
Critics of the payment processors argue that they are overstepping their bounds by influencing the content available on platforms like Steam. By allowing these companies to wield such power, it raises questions about the extent of their impact on creative freedom and the potential for broader censorship. The debate continues as the gaming community grapples with the implications of this new rule.
EDIT: And as for what they could do, they could check for alternatives to american payment processors
Sources: Techcrunch, Eurogamer
