Things YOU can do to Counteract Payment Processor Censorship

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daicon 20 Jul @ 3:40pm

Tired of the useless whiny bickering in other threads? Want to actually DO something?

To the best of my ability, I wanted to put together a list of things people can do to counteract some of the censorship being forced onto Steam and its users. This isn't comprehensive and I appreciate any suggestions. I'd love to be told "No, not like that", or "This is a better way", as long as its constructive. Posts accusing people of liking inc*st or r**e or other petty insults: ♥♥♥♥ you, I don't care.

First of all, I think e-mailing Valve employees (Gaben's is easy enough to find) and letting them know you're disappointed with this outcome. I'm personally letting them know I understand this is a complicated and ongoing process, but I want to see an end result of this new Onboarding clause being removed and the affected games rightfully reinstated.

Next, I think contacting payment processors is a longshot, but could be a very worthwhile endeavor if done well. You shouldn't just say you're disappointed and will not use their services anymore. Not that. We should tell them quite bluntly that if they continue this stupidity of infringing on people's law-abiding activities and speech by with these thuggish tactics of financially barring people, you will make it a permanent part of your political identity to seek to have them broken up as monopolies. Tell them you believe their actions are illegal, and that you will actively collecting information to seek out and press the idea to as many opportunistic law firms as you can and try to kick off a class-action suit against them. Tell them you'll support forever support any regulations against them. Below I'll post some contact information, and of these, Visa allows all members of their board, including the Chairman, to be contacted.

Visa Inc.
https://investor.visa.com/corporate-governance/contact-the-board/default.aspx#emailForm
https://usa.visa.com/contact-us.html
Phone: 1-800-847-2911 OR +1-303-967-1096 (international)
Mail: c/o the Chairman, CEO, General Counsel or Corporate Secretary, P.O. Box 8999, San Francisco, CA 94128
businessconduct@visa.com
globalmedia@visa.com
Support Email: checkoutwithvisa@visa.com <-NEW
General Press/Media: press@visa.com <-NEW
Europe Media: europepress@visa.com <-NEW
ethics@visa.com <-NEW

Mastercard Inc.
https://b2b.mastercard.com/contact-us/
Corporate Office: 914-249-2000
Operations Center in Missouri: 636-722-6100
investor.relations@mastercard.com <-NEW
corporate.secretary@mastercard.com <-NEW

PayPal Holdings, Inc.
https://x.com/AskPayPal
Phone: 1-888-221-1161
Mail: PayPal Headquarters, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, California 95131
EEOMALegalSpecialist@paypal.com <---HERE!!
executiveescalations@paypal.com

(!!)Most importantly(!!), those in the USA should consider contacting their Congressmen (phone or email) and tell them you want to support these bills:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/401
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/987
I would urge them to support it, and even urge them to strengthen the wording of it to put more restrictions on credit card companies, not just banks. ( How to find your congressman[www.congress.gov] )

Then, I think those in the USA should contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and file a complaint. Doing this next is good, as its the most consumer focused:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Phone: 1-855-411-2372
Mail: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20552

Following that, submit a detailed complaint detailing the issues to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division or FTC:
Department of Justice – Antitrust Division
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Phone: 1-855-411-2372
Mail: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 1700 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20552
Federal Trade Commission
https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
Phone: 1-877-382-4357
Mail: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580

You can use an AI to help you draft letters easily (Microsoft Copilot requires no sign-in). I've put physical addresses too because although it represents a big commitment of effort, few things get their message through better than a written letter.

This is not an end-all-be-all list, but I think its a pretty good starting point. I understand a lot of this represents an uncomfy amount of effort, but really, wouldn't it be an insane spectacle if Visa or MasterCard literally got broken up all because they messed with some erogames on Steam? Imagine that going down in history.

EXAMPLE LETTER TO VISA HERE:

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/discussions/forum/0/601910394159768811/?tscn=1753102747#c601910394159807297

Example how to easily draft a complaint letter using AI in 1 minute:

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/discussions/forum/0/601910394159768811/?ctp=12#c601910705326661971

You can support the Change[dot]org Petition:

Tell MasterCard, Visa & Activist Groups: Stop Controlling What We Can Watch, Read, or Play[www.change.org]

The ACLU's Petition against Adult Content Sellers:

https://action.aclu.org/petition/mastercard-sex-work-work-end-your-unjust-policy

Last edited by daicon; 30 Jul @ 11:02am

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Showing 376-390 of 390 comments

EGS innocent angle (126 IQ) 30 Jul @ 9:13am

Originally posted by Draug:
So apparently somebody contacted Steam, and then made a Youtube Video about Steam's response.

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/discussions/forum/0/

In short it confirms Steam was basically forced to do what they did or risk losing access to the ability for people to buy games.

Yeah there are lots of morons contacting low level customer support reps and then pretending the blanket statement they get applies to this situation specifically. This isn't news and definitely isn't intelligent.

#376

Draug 30 Jul @ 9:16am

Originally posted by Thermal Lance:
Originally posted by Draug:
So apparently somebody contacted Steam, and then made a Youtube Video about Steam's response.

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/discussions/forum/0/

In short it confirms Steam was basically forced to do what they did or risk losing access to the ability for people to buy games.
I'd love to see the video but you kind of ♥♥♥♥♥♥ up the link. That's just the main board not a thread.

No idea how that happened lol https://youtu.be/3iOFw1XdutI?si=JYTEw8J8bB0jfBId

Blame lack of coffee

Last edited by Draug; 30 Jul @ 9:34am

#377

trifyd 30 Jul @ 9:43am

maybe adding this ACLU petition could be a good idea: https://action.aclu.org/petition/mastercard-sex-work-work-end-your-unjust-policy
it already has 150k signatures, has a similar goal to us, not exactly the same but linked to payment processor abuse to power

#378

76561198446192207 30 Jul @ 10:53am

Originally posted by ◢◤:
Originally posted by videomike_Ultimate_Plushie:
Good point, and it wouldnt be harassment either since they are claiming rights to call us their customers, and thus we have formal right to demand full answers to their exact standards. We can literally stay on the line for hours demanding answers.

Just got off the phone with VISA. It's super easy call to call them. Just be polite. Explain why you are upset and get a ticket filed.Once you have a ticket number. Call and follow up periodically.

As a VISA customer I have every right to be upset.

I work at one of the credit card companies involved, and I can confirm, this strategy works. In fact, calling in applies far more pressure than most people realize. Internally, there’s already a dedicated team scrambling to deal with this issue.

Personally, I don’t support the decisions being made, but if you want to make an impact, you need to pick up the phone. Emails help, but one phone call is worth a hundred emails.

Be polite, be clear about why you’re calling, and most importantly, ask for a case or ticket number. That forces the system to log your complaint and makes it easier to follow up. Once you’ve got that number, future follow-ups are fast and effective.

This is how you get their attention. Keep the pressure up.

#379

Boblin the Goblin 30 Jul @ 10:54am

Originally posted by gligora79:
Originally posted by ◢◤:

Just got off the phone with VISA. It's super easy call to call them. Just be polite. Explain why you are upset and get a ticket filed.Once you have a ticket number. Call and follow up periodically.

As a VISA customer I have every right to be upset.

I work at one of the credit card companies involved, and I can confirm, this strategy works. In fact, calling in applies far more pressure than most people realize. Internally, there’s already a dedicated team scrambling to deal with this issue.

Personally, I don’t support the decisions being made, but if you want to make an impact, you need to pick up the phone. Emails help, but one phone call is worth a hundred emails.

Be polite, be clear about why you’re calling, and most importantly, ask for a case or ticket number. That forces the system to log your complaint and makes it easier to follow up. Once you’ve got that number, future follow-ups are fast and effective.

This is how you get their attention. Keep the pressure up.

That's suspicious.

#380

daicon 30 Jul @ 10:58am

Originally posted by trifyd:
maybe adding this ACLU petition could be a good idea: https://action.aclu.org/petition/mastercard-sex-work-work-end-your-unjust-policy
it already has 150k signatures, has a similar goal to us, not exactly the same but linked to payment processor abuse to power

may sound fainthearted but I hesitated on that because it was about real-world stuff and I was a afraid those trying to get this thread modded would use it as a vector to that end.

Its also that I personally don't like to support (or impede) sex workers, but its related and should be added, the OP needs to be as info rich as it can be. Thank you!

#381

◢◤ 30 Jul @ 11:18am

Originally posted by Gligora79:
Originally posted by ◢◤:

Just got off the phone with VISA. It's super easy call to call them. Just be polite. Explain why you are upset and get a ticket filed.Once you have a ticket number. Call and follow up periodically.

As a VISA customer I have every right to be upset.

I work at one of the credit card companies involved, and I can confirm, this strategy works. In fact, calling in applies far more pressure than most people realize. Internally, there’s already a dedicated team scrambling to deal with this issue.

Personally, I don’t support the decisions being made, but if you want to make an impact, you need to pick up the phone. Emails help, but one phone call is worth a hundred emails.

Be polite, be clear about why you’re calling, and most importantly, ask for a case or ticket number. That forces the system to log your complaint and makes it easier to follow up. Once you’ve got that number, future follow-ups are fast and effective.

This is how you get their attention. Keep the pressure up.

I’m skeptical of the claim about working at the CCs, but honestly, that’s beside the point. It just confirms what should be obvious.

I work at an MSP, and I can tell you directly: when call volume spikes, call center clients go into damage control fast. This tactic works, and it’s already making waves.

I called in again today, followed up on my case, and even had a casual chat with the rep before ending the call. The key is consistency. Be polite, be clear, get that case number, and follow up. Every logged ticket increases pressure. Stay on them.

#382

Kegfarms 30 Jul @ 1:28pm

Originally posted by EGS innocent angle (126 IQ):
Originally posted by Draug:
So apparently somebody contacted Steam, and then made a Youtube Video about Steam's response.

https://steamhost.cn/steamcommunity_com/discussions/forum/0/

In short it confirms Steam was basically forced to do what they did or risk losing access to the ability for people to buy games.
Yeah there are lots of morons contacting low level customer support reps and then pretending the blanket statement they get applies to this situation specifically. This isn't news and definitely isn't intelligent.

Lol.

#383

mamericus 3 Aug @ 1:27am

The best thing you could actually do is bring this to the attention of Elon--he's an avid gamer, probably loves raunchy anime avatars, he hates censorship, and he's the richest man in the world. He has the power to actually move things, unlike us plebes.

#384

Pheex 3 Aug @ 4:27am

Originally posted by mamericus:
The best thing you could actually do is bring this to the attention of Elon--he's an avid gamer, probably loves raunchy anime avatars, he hates censorship, and he's the richest man in the world. He has the power to actually move things, unlike us plebes.

He actually said in an E3 or Game Awards interview once he wants to see more adult games so it's perfect for him to throw his weight around, not to mention connections to PayPal

#385

videomike_Ultimate_Plushie 3 Aug @ 4:28am

Originally posted by mamericus:
The best thing you could actually do is bring this to the attention of Elon--he's an avid gamer, probably loves raunchy anime avatars, he hates censorship, and he's the richest man in the world. He has the power to actually move things, unlike us plebes.

I mean, yeah add him to the list. Hes also absolutely the kind of attitude that would without quesiton tell the requisite banks "no, go away."

#386

[Daos]BLACK KNIGHT 3 Aug @ 7:16am

Originally posted by Pheex:
Originally posted by mamericus:
The best thing you could actually do is bring this to the attention of Elon--he's an avid gamer, probably loves raunchy anime avatars, he hates censorship, and he's the richest man in the world. He has the power to actually move things, unlike us plebes.

He actually said in an E3 or Game Awards interview once he wants to see more adult games so it's perfect for him to throw his weight around, not to mention connections to PayPal

he might...
and any help is needed. especially for a person like him.

but i don't really trust him.

#387

videomike_Ultimate_Plushie 3 Aug @ 7:21am

Originally posted by Gligora79:
Originally posted by ◢◤:

Just got off the phone with VISA. It's super easy call to call them. Just be polite. Explain why you are upset and get a ticket filed.Once you have a ticket number. Call and follow up periodically.

As a VISA customer I have every right to be upset.

I work at one of the credit card companies involved, and I can confirm, this strategy works. In fact, calling in applies far more pressure than most people realize. Internally, there’s already a dedicated team scrambling to deal with this issue.

Personally, I don’t support the decisions being made, but if you want to make an impact, you need to pick up the phone. Emails help, but one phone call is worth a hundred emails.

Be polite, be clear about why you’re calling, and most importantly, ask for a case or ticket number. That forces the system to log your complaint and makes it easier to follow up. Once you’ve got that number, future follow-ups are fast and effective.

This is how you get their attention. Keep the pressure up.

I missed this post but im glad to read it. I agree dont start a fight over it, just ask questions and void concerns for potential future purchases. Getting actual people who cant turn you off is always going to be harder. It's one of the reasons some places have been pushing hard to not even have a phone line. Hi microsoft.

#388

vitkaviktor475 8 hours ago

What If Every Dev Re‑Uploaded Their Banned 18+ Game to Steam for Free? It Could Kill Payment Processor Censorship.

Payment processors like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal pushed Valve into removing a bunch of adult games this July. Their goal was simple: make these games disappear by cutting off the money flow. No payments → no way for devs to sell → no reason for the games to exist.

But here’s the loophole they can’t close:
Their influence only matters when money changes hands.

If every dev took their banned 18+ game and re‑uploaded it to Steam for free, payment processors would lose all leverage. No sales = no payment transaction = no ability for them to interfere.

The result?
The games would still exist.
They’d actually be more accessible than ever, because they’d be free for everyone.
The censorship attempt would completely backfire.

Yes — developers wouldn’t be able to directly make money from these games right away. But by flooding the platform with free versions, we’d prove that these titles aren’t going anywhere, with or without Visa and Mastercard’s approval.

Over time, that could weaken the payment processors’ grip. If their censorship doesn’t erase the content, just the revenue, the incentive to enforce it evaporates. And once their pressure loses meaning, the door to monetization can open again.

TL;DR:
Make the banned games free. They still exist, everyone can play them, and payment processors lose all power over them. It turns their censorship into a joke — and could, in the long run, end it entirely.

#389

[Daos]BLACK KNIGHT 9 minutes ago

Originally posted by vitkaviktor475:
What If Every Dev Re‑Uploaded Their Banned 18+ Game to Steam for Free? It Could Kill Payment Processor Censorship.

Payment processors like Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal pushed Valve into removing a bunch of adult games this July. Their goal was simple: make these games disappear by cutting off the money flow. No payments → no way for devs to sell → no reason for the games to exist.

But here’s the loophole they can’t close:
Their influence only matters when money changes hands.

If every dev took their banned 18+ game and re‑uploaded it to Steam for free, payment processors would lose all leverage. No sales = no payment transaction = no ability for them to interfere.

The result?
The games would still exist.
They’d actually be more accessible than ever, because they’d be free for everyone.
The censorship attempt would completely backfire.

Yes — developers wouldn’t be able to directly make money from these games right away. But by flooding the platform with free versions, we’d prove that these titles aren’t going anywhere, with or without Visa and Mastercard’s approval.

Over time, that could weaken the payment processors’ grip. If their censorship doesn’t erase the content, just the revenue, the incentive to enforce it evaporates. And once their pressure loses meaning, the door to monetization can open again.

TL;DR:
Make the banned games free. They still exist, everyone can play them, and payment processors lose all power over them. It turns their censorship into a joke — and could, in the long run, end it entirely.

The games will make money on steam more than anywhere else
and also they blackmail steam to remove payment for them if they hold games like this, not if the sell. so free games will not make any difference for the payment processors

#390

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Date Posted: 20 Jul @ 3:40pm

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