Payment Processors Are Now Censoring Steam Games

Summary

Valve’s recent decision to allow payment processors like Visa and Mastercard to dictate what content is allowed on Steam marks a major shift in the platform’s hands-off approach. This change, driven by pressure from groups like Collective Shout, has led to the removal of certain adult-themed games, with fears that it could pave the way for future censorship. The broader issue highlights how payment processors and other financial entities now hold significant influence over content, leading to concerns about future restrictions on politically or socially sensitive topics. The potential for a slippery slope raises significant questions about the future of online content regulation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Valve's new rule on Steam gives payment processors, like Visa and Mastercard, influence over what games are allowed on the platform.
• 😀 This marks a significant shift from Valve's previous 'hands-off' approach to moderation, where they rarely interfered with content unless it was illegal or violated a specific rule.
• 😀 The change was likely driven by pressure from payment processors who threatened to pull their services from Steam if the platform didn't comply with new content restrictions.
• 😀 The rule mainly targets adult content, specifically games with incest themes, though it's feared that it could expand to other types of controversial content.
• 😀 Valve's new policy means payment processors and internet providers now have power over what content can be bought and sold on Steam, potentially affecting a wide range of content in the future.
• 😀 Steam's previous approach, which allowed a wide variety of games, including controversial ones, has been reversed, highlighting the growing influence of payment processors over digital platforms.
• 😀 Similar issues have been seen in Japan’s anime and manga market, where platforms like Suruga and manga library Z were forced to remove adult content due to payment processor pressure.
• 😀 The issue isn’t isolated to Steam—platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon have also faced similar pressure from payment processors, leading to restrictions or bans on certain types of content.
• 😀 Critics argue that this sets a dangerous precedent, as it could lead to payment processors controlling what types of content, including political or controversial topics, can be sold online.
• 😀 Valve could potentially explore alternatives like crypto payments or develop its own payment system, which would reduce reliance on traditional payment processors and their content restrictions.

Q & A

What new rule did Valve implement on Steam, and how does it affect the platform?

Valve implemented a new rule that restricts content that may violate the policies set by payment processors like Visa and Mastercard, as well as banks and internet providers. This rule has led to the removal of certain adult-themed games, particularly those with incest-related content, marking a significant shift from Valve's previous hands-off moderation approach.

Why is Valve's new rule seen as a significant change in Steam's moderation approach?

Valve's new rule is significant because it marks a reversal of their long-standing, hands-off moderation policy. Previously, Valve allowed most content on Steam unless it was illegal or violated their minimal rules. The new rule introduces external influence from payment processors and internet providers over what can be sold and bought on the platform.

What external factors led to Valve implementing this rule?

The main external factors were pressure from payment processors like PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard, as well as advocacy groups like Collective Shout. These payment processors were reportedly concerned about the content on Steam, particularly adult-themed games, and made it clear that they might stop supporting Steam unless changes were made.

What kinds of games were specifically targeted for removal from Steam due to the new rule?

Games with incest-related themes were specifically targeted for removal. Steam DB reported the removal of several such titles, although Valve did not explicitly state the reasons for the removals. The removal was linked to the new rule influenced by payment processors' policies.

How have payment processors influenced content on other platforms, similar to what happened with Steam?

Payment processors have exerted similar pressure on other platforms. In Japan, anime and manga platforms had to remove adult content due to demands from payment processors. Platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon have also faced similar issues, with OnlyFans even announcing, and later reversing, a ban on sexual content due to pressure from payment companies.

How does the involvement of payment processors affect content regulation across the internet?

Payment processors now play a role as content gatekeepers. Their influence means they can dictate what is permissible on platforms based on their policies, potentially limiting freedom of expression. This trend is concerning because it places the power to regulate content in the hands of financial institutions, whose interests are primarily profit-driven, not content-based.

What could be the broader implications of payment processors influencing content on platforms like Steam?

The broader implication is a slippery slope where payment processors could eventually influence the removal or restriction of other types of content, such as politically controversial topics or stories challenging mainstream beliefs. This raises concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for censorship.

How has Valve previously handled moderation of content on Steam?

Historically, Valve adopted a hands-off approach to moderation, only removing content if it was illegal, contained malware, or violated specific Valve rules. They faced criticism over issues such as hate speech and extremism but generally maintained minimal intervention in content regulation.

What actions did Collective Shout take that may have influenced Valve's decision?

Collective Shout, a women's advocacy group, launched campaigns and released open letters addressing problematic content on Steam. Their activism likely contributed to the pressure on payment processors, which in turn led to Valve implementing the new content regulation rule.

What options are being suggested by Steam users to bypass the new payment restrictions?

Some Steam users have suggested exploring alternative payment methods, such as cryptocurrency, or even creating a Valve-specific payment system, like 'Valve Pay,' to bypass the restrictions imposed by traditional payment processors.