Tell MasterCard, Visa & Activist Groups: Stop Controlling What We Can Watch, Read, or Play
Added 2025-07-26 13:06:39 +0000 UTCRecently, all NSFW (Not Safe For Work) games on platforms like Itch.io — and reportedly Steam as well — have been deindexed following pressure from anti-porn activist groups. These groups reportedly contacted payment processors over a single, admittedly reprehensible title, resulting in blanket restrictions across entire platforms.
This is not just an overreaction — it is a clear form of censorship. In the 21st century, it is outrageous that creators and consumers must still fight for the right to access literature, art, and interactive media. Erotic content is a valid form of expression with historical, artistic, and psychological significance.
This is not only an attack on creators — it's an attack on the fundamental rights of consumers. If someone doesn't wish to engage with adult content, that is their right. But imposing those beliefs on others is authoritarian and incompatible with any democratic society.
This issue strikes at the heart of freedom of expression, digital culture, and democratic values. While constitutional protections may limit direct government censorship, the increasing power of private corporations — especially payment processors — is being weaponised to circumvent these rights. And unlike governments, private companies cannot be voted out.
Governments must not remain passive. Their inaction enables monopolistic financial platforms to become unelected moral gatekeepers, deciding what qualifies as acceptable art or literature.
This is not about one distasteful game. This is about protecting creative freedom and preventing precedent-setting corporate overreach.
