Itch.io removes NSFW content following payment processor pressure

Itch.io removes all NSFW content after pressure from payment processors linked to Collective Shout.

Itch.io takes action against NSFW content due to pressure from Collective Shout

Itch.io, a platform catering to independent game creators, has removed all NSFW content from its site after pressure from payment processors influenced by the Australian group Collective Shout. Creators noticed their games disappearing from search results, prompting concerns similar to the recent controversies surrounding Steam. Itch.io confirmed the removal was temporary and necessary to maintain compliance with payment processor regulations. In a statement, founder Leaf Corcoran expressed regret over the sudden nature of the change and outlined the need for an audit of the content hosted on the site. Collective Shout previously campaigned against other platforms, arguing they contribute to the objectification of women and minors.

This decision by Itch.io raises red flags about the growing influence of activist groups on digital content platforms. With payment processors wielding significant power over what content can be hosted, it reveals a tension between artistic freedom and financial viability. The swift action taken by Itch.io highlights the pressure under which digital platforms operate, often sacrificing specific types of content to appease external forces. As these trends evolve, creators may find themselves operating in an increasingly restrictive environment, dependent on the shifting stances of payment companies against NSFW content. The actions of Collective Shout show how targeted campaigns can lead to substantial changes in the landscape of online creativity.

Highlights

As the industry evolves, the balance between creativity and compliance grows ever more delicate.