Hi friends,

There was many threads lately on that topic, and despite attempts at making all those threads follow the community rules, looks like it will be better to make a megathread in order to avoid drowning other topics under the constant updates about this.

You find bellow multiple sections, containing as much info as possible on every aspect of this topic, including the latest news (as well as older ones), and how to participate in fighting it (if you wish to).

The moderation, even if we do have our own personal opinion on the topic, will try to stay as neutral as possible, which mean all opinion (for or against) are welcome, as long as it respect the rules, especially rule 2.

As a special exception to rule 4, memes are welcome in the comment section, as I saw some good ones in various other topics, as soon as they respect rule 2.

Latest news

Older News

There are probably more, I just posted those which were on c/games

How to participate to the phone campaign

The current campaign focuses on calls to payment processor, and a petition.

Ressources

The petition on change.org

https://www.change.org/p/tell-mastercard-visa-activist-groups-stop-controlling-what-we-can-watch-read-or-play

One-tap dial phone numbers, by u/TherapyGary@lemmy.blahaj.zone

One-tap dial phone numbers:

Master card

Visa

PayPal

Stripe (unconfirmed)

Script:

I’m calling to urge [company name] to immediately end the policy that unfairly targets the adult content industry. I’m also asking that [company name] sit down with stakeholders- specifically sex workers and adult content creators- to develop solutions that ensure equitable access to financial services, create stability, and reduce harm for sex workers.

Call strategy to be as annoying as possible without abusing call center workers, by u/Pro@programming.dev - source : https://lemmy.world/post/33614184

Strategy in Practice:

  • Katana314@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    1 day ago

    Not an authoritative source, but a Redditor claimed that the term “payment processors” is being misconstrued in a way that could misdirect blame. Visa and Mastercard have given some people responses claiming they take no position on adult content, and it’s possible they’re telling the truth.

    Basically, payment processors by this guy’s definition are lesser known companies that handle other middle level processing; like Stripe, PayPal, or Heartland, as well as many others you’ve never heard of. And, what makes the debate difficult with them is that they’ve always viewed adult content as a “risky” subject - due to higher frequency of support cases, chargebacks, general frustration, etc. As such, some processor that sell their service to adult businesses may charge higher rates - rates that stores like Steam or Itch are probably less willing to pay for 90% of their library.

    Take that summary with a grain of salt as it’s only based on rumors and indirect industry knowledge. Not an indication people shouldn’t complain, since Visa/MC could still choose to take a stance and investigate wrongdoing, and might not be totally honest; but it’s possible the full blame will go to other specific businesses.

    • acosmichippo@lemmy.worldEnglish
      11·
      1 day ago

      And, what makes the debate difficult with them is that they’ve always viewed adult content as a “risky” subject - due to higher frequency of support cases, chargebacks, general frustration, etc. As such, some processor that sell their service to adult businesses may charge higher rates - rates that stores like Steam or Itch are probably less willing to pay for 90% of their library.

      but game platforms are clearly not your typical “adult business”. there are payment issues with adult businesses because they use shady billing practices like dark patterns, automatic renewals after a “free” trial, etc. I don’t know of any popular game platform that is anywhere close to that shady.

      • Katana314@lemmy.worldEnglish
        41·
        1 day ago

        I don’t think that’s really the distinction in adult businesses - entertainment companies often use those same dark patterns around trials/subscriptions. Maybe some adult businesses do too, but that’s not unique.

        My understanding is that the higher rate is related more to the product and customer behavior, rather than the seller’s behavior. By some trend, customers are more likely to refund a hentai tentacle game than a regular platformer.