Anti-Censorship Campaign

For years payment processors have been putting unjust restrictions on their users.They are controlling more than they ever should have.But if we work together, we can make them listen and get back the freedoms we should have to do what we want with our own money!

Nothing on this site is intended as legal advice. We are not lawyers.

Please do not spam call/email as we don't want harassment claims.Do:1) Call/email once a day (if you have already called, note you are following up/asking for updates)2) Be firm but courteous. Don't let them push you around but do not resort to insults, yelling, or harassment3) If they provide an unsatisfactory response, you can use the "follow up" template to keep things going4) If they don't respond or they stick with the unsatisfactory response, step away for the day, then restart next day from sending the complaint email/call again

Important Notice

The following is not legal advice, we are not qualified to give you legal advice. If you're comfortable + able PLEASE record your calls! Before doing so, Please research the relevant laws and regulations for your are around who must consent to being recorded.If you are calling Visa, there have been increasing reports of harassment from Visa representatives, including calling people rapistsIf this happens to you, please take the following actions:1) Stay calm! Do NOT engage in harassment back2) Request to speak to a supervisor3) If they refuse or hung up on you, call back and immediately escalate to a supervisor4) Put in a complaint of the behavior (script here)5) Afterwards or if they refuse to take your complaint, submit a BBB complaint (script here)

If They Require a Card #

You can generate a valid but unused credit card # here

First Call Script

Phone Script (First Time Call/No Case #)

(Note: any time you're transferred start the script over!)

(Start)

Hello, I'm calling to get some clarification about issues I'm having making purchases. Can I please get some help?

(If they "can't help")

Alright I understand! Can you please transfer me to a supervisor who can help me?

(Once speaking to someone who CAN help)

Thank you for helping me! I'm trying to purchase some games, but they don't seem to exist anymore. I saw something about them being removed due to your company's policies. I'm confused as to why though, can you explain more?

(List of questions you can work in next - do ONE at a time, and only if they make sense)

1) So are you saying (company) doesn't have any policies against legal content?2) If (company) doesn't allow content like that, then why am I allowed to purchase (Game of Thrones/firearms/etc)?3) So (company) hasn't ever told any companies they needed to take down legal content to keep working with (company)?4) If (company) doesn't allow certain content, why does it seem like these rules aren't being applied to all sites?5) If (company) only opposes obscene content, why are other games being restricted as well?6) If (company) doesn't put any restrictions on legal content, why are platforms like Itch and Steam saying you have?7) Is it true that (company) was pressured by the group Collective Shout via a call and email campaign?8) Has (company) made any official statements about this? If so, where can I see them?9) If only illegal content is against (company's) terms, then why have legal media pieces been taken down?10) Does (company) allow the purchase/sale of legal, non-adult LGBTQ+ content?11) If (company) allows the sale of legal, non-adult LGBTQ+ content, why have there been reports of it being restricted along with adult content?12) Can you please share with me where (company) has a policy against legal, non-adult LGBTQ+ content?13) (PayPal Only) According to reports an executive customer service team member has said that questionable material goes through an approval process - can you provide me with more information about this process?14) How is it determined that media such as South Park, The Bible, Game of Thrones, and others, are acceptable content? What metrics do they meet that the restricted content doesn't?

(After you've exhausted questions)

I see... Thank you for taking the time to help me. I think with the information you've given me, I'd like to lodge a formal complaint about (company's) policies and practices.

(If told to email/that they can't file)

If you're unable to file an official complaint for me, please transfer me to your supervisor so they can help me.

(Once you can file a complaint)

Thank you for filing my complaint about the rampant restrictions your company has placed on legal sales made by legitimate businesses.These restrictions are not only counter to the concept of freedom of speech and expression, but they harm consumers, businesses, and they harm your company’s bottom line.The following actions are absolutely necessary to protect the freedoms of your client base and the sustainability of legitimate business practices:1) Remove from your Terms of Service any mention barring the use of your service for sale and purchase of legal products.
2) Contact Steam (Valve), Itch.io, and any other company you have previously put pressure on to retract your content restrictions.
3) Put in place protections to prevent such restrictions from being put in place in the future without ample warning and time to contest them.If these changes aren't made then I, along with many others will be forced to seek other options for processing payments.Thank you again for filing my complaint. Can I please have the case number so that I can refer to it during future calls?

Follow Up Call Script

Phone Script (Second Time Call/Have Case #)

(Note: any time you're transferred start the script over!)

(Start)

Hello, I'm calling to get an update about an existing complaint I have lodged with (company). Is this correct line?

(If yes)

Alright thank you! My case # is (provide number). I haven't been contacted yet about my complaint and would like to receive an update about its status.

(If no)

Can you please transfer me to the appropriate person to get an update about my case?

(If they claim your case doesn't exist)

I'm sorry, I must be confused or have gotten something wrong! I need some clarification about issues I'm having making purchases. Can I please get some help? (now go back to the "first time call" phone script)

(If case has no updates)

Thank you for your time! I'll be calling back again tomorrow if I haven't heard from (company) with an update regarding my complaint.

(If case has been closed)

Can you please explain why the case has been closed? I don't understand.(Optional: rework back in any of the following questions from the "first call" script)

(If case has been closed pt 1)

I see... Thank you for taking the time to help me. I think with the information you've given me, I think I'd like to refile my complaint as I don't believe it was handled in a satisfactory manner.

(If told to email/that they can't file)

If you're unable to file an official complaint for me, please transfer me to your supervisor so they can help me.

(Once you can file a complaint)

Thank you for filing my complaint about the rampant restrictions your company has placed on legal sales made by legitimate businesses.These restrictions are not only counter to the concept of freedom of speech and expression, but they harm consumers, businesses, and they harm your company’s bottom line.The following actions are absolutely necessary to protect the freedoms of your client base and the sustainability of legitimate business practices:1) Remove from your Terms of Service any mention barring the use of your service for sale and purchase of legal products.
2) Contact Steam (Valve), Itch.io, and any other company you have previously put pressure on to retract your content restrictions.
3) Put in place protections to prevent such restrictions from being put in place in the future without ample warning and time to contest them.If these changes aren't made then I, along with many others will be forced to seek other options for processing payments.Thank you again for filing my complaint. Can I please have the case number so that I can refer to it during future calls?

Abuse Complaint Call Script

Call Template if You Receive Abuse From Representative

If you are calling Visa, there have been increasing reports of harassment from Visa representatives, including calling people rapists. This script is for complaining to the company about the abuse received

Hello,I'm calling to submit an official complaint about abuse I received from a call center representative today. I called at (time) and spoke with (name, if you know it). Their behavior was beyond inappropriate. The representative said (provide details).(Once finished submitting that complaint, tell them you would still like to file the initial complaint you called about, and can refer to the above scripts for submitting that.)

Initial Email Template

Customer Complaint Dept,This message is to lodge an official complaint about the ongoing rampant restrictions your company has placed on legal sales made by legitimate businesses.These restrictions are not only counter to the concept of freedom of speech and expression, but they harm consumers, businesses, and they harm your company’s bottom line.The following actions are absolutely necessary to protect the freedoms of your client base and the sustainability of legitimate business practices:1) Remove from your Terms of Service any mention barring the use of your service for sale and purchase of legal products.
2) Contact Steam (Valve), Itch.io, and any other company you have previously put pressure on to retract your content restrictions.
3) Put in place protections to prevent such restrictions from being put in place in the future without ample warning and time to contest them.If these changes aren't made then I, along with many others will be forced to seek other options for processing payments.Sincerely,
A Concerned Customer

Follow Up Email Template

Send this if you receive a response along the lines of "we don't restrict legal transactions" or "we don't have the authority to determine what platforms do/don't allow"

Hello Support Team,Thank you for your response. I am specifically concerned about actions payment processors have taken to pressure digital media distribution sites, including Steam and Itch, into removing legally permissible adult content.Can you confirm that, in addition to not restricting legal purchases of any kind, your company has not engaged in any form of pressure or coercion to remove legal adult content from online platforms? Especially not as a result of campaigning or requests from members of conservative groups seeking to abolish the sale of adult content, such as Collective Shout, Exodus Cry, etc.?I look forward to your reply, and any information you can provide on the matters above. Thank you for your time.[your name here]

Paypal Submission Steps

Socials Post Template

Hey @ (company), the restrictions on companies using your services for payments are getting completely out of handContact Valve, Steam, and any other company effected and reverse these changes ASAP!!!

Letter Template

Click here to learn how to send a letterOr here to have LetterStream send it for you!

Info from stop-paypros

Note: Visa address has been updated

Customer Complaint Dept,This message is to lodge an official complaint about the ongoing rampant restrictions your company has placed on legal sales made by legitimate businesses.These restrictions are not only counter to the concept of freedom of speech and expression, but they harm consumers, businesses, and they harm your company’s bottom line.The following actions are absolutely necessary to protect the freedoms of your client base and the sustainability of legitimate business practices:1) Remove from your Terms of Service any mention barring the use of your service for sale and purchase of legal products.
2) Contact Steam (Valve), Itch.io, and any other company you have previously put pressure on to retract your content restrictions.
3) Put in place protections to prevent such restrictions from being put in place in the future without ample warning and time to contest them.If these changes aren't made then I, along with many others will be forced to seek other options for processing payments.Sincerely,
A Concerned Customer

Contact Information

Legislator Directory

Input your address here to find your legislator!

Scripts made by Pomtacular, you can contact her for questions about these scripts!

Email Script

Google doc version of script can be found here

Subject: URGENT – Financial Censorship and Impacts on our FreedomsDear [REPRESENTATIVE NAME],My name is [YOUR NAME/SCREEN NAME] and I am one of your constituents from [YOUR TOWN/STATE]. I am writing today because I am very concerned about the recent actions of Mastercard and Visa against adult content.Mastercard, Visa, and other payment platforms have been leveraging their power over individual’s freedom to purchase completely legal content for far too long. In 2021, Mastercard changed its policies to impermissibly regulate adult entertainment by preventing the use of its payment platform on numerous adult entertainment sites. 1 The effects of this policy ban were financially detrimental, with content creators citing being unable to maintain housing, increased stress, and increased fear and anxiety for the future. 2Now, in July of 2025, Australian advocacy group Collective Shout is responsible for the delisting and removal of adult content video games on major platforms Steam and Itch.io. 3 Their goal to impermissibly censor what content individuals have access to won, as platform Steam now cites rule 15, that “adult only” content is not permitted on the platform if it goes against payment processor’s policies. 4 They do not describe what content is defined as “adult only.” This is incredibly alarming as payment processors are able to dictate what is considered adult material and prevent adults from access to adult content. This is not hypothetical either, as platform Itch.io has not only delisted adult video games, but removed them from user’s profiles. 5 Users that purchased legitimate video games cannot download their games. Video game development teams, including artists, developers, and voice actors are terrified as their livelihoods are in limbo.[You can also insert your own experiences with censorship from financial institutions here!]This is a form of financial discrimination against adult entertainers that are selling legitimate, legal content. I am writing to you to support the senate bill Fair Access to Banking Act which will protect individuals from payment processors making legislation where they should not. 6 Additionally, I urge you to support the Federal Trade Commission’s goals in creating rules limiting censorship by technology platforms and their internal procedures. 7 Protecting the adult industry does not only protect creators and users, but protects the whole of American freedoms against autocratic corporations.Sincerely,[YOUR NAME/SCREEN NAME]
[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WANT]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER IF YOU WANT]

Phone Script

Google doc version of script can be found here

Hello Representative/Senator [LAST NAME],-or-Hello office of Representative/Senator [LAST NAME],My name is [YOUR FIRST NAME/SCREEN NAME] and I am one of your constituents.I am calling today to express my concerns with technological censorship. Legal and legitimate adult entertainment is being banned in this country. These bans are not by legislators, but by payment processors like Mastercard and Visa.Mastercard and Visa are improperly creating legislation online through their user and merchant policies. They are banning creator and user access to content that is legal and legitimate. They are inciting fear and panic to encourage censorship.[Feel free to talk about your own experiences with censorship here!]Please take a stand against this impermissible censorship. This is a direct attack on an adult's right to legal content. No one but the legislative branch should be allowed to create legislation.Please support the Federal Trade Commission in their stand against technological censorship to protect the first amendment.Thank you for taking the time to listen today.

• Online Script
• Online Steps
• Phone Script

CFPB Contacts

Phone: 1-(855)-411-2372
Option selection: 1, 3Online Form Submission

Script Pt 1

Based on script written by Trepe

On July 16, 2025, thousands of legal video games were suddenly removed from platforms such as Steam and itch.io without any prior warning or public explanation. Shortly after, Steam introduced a vague new rule (“Rule 15”) that cites the standards of payment processors — such as Visa and Mastercard — as justification for the removals. The exact wording is:“15. Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam's payment processors and related card networks and banks…”Itch has similarly indicated that payment processor pressure was the cause of the sweeping removal of content from their platforms.These examples are only the most recent in a wave of censorship of online platforms who all point at their payment processors as the source of the rulings. This company has repeatedly put pressure on the businesses it works with to restrict or disallow completely legal adult content from being sold on their platform.These restrictions are placed arbitrarily, without clear indication of what content may be disallowed, and often with pressure to be enforced overnight. Content such as Game of Thrones may be considered permissible, whilst other content that merely mentions adult themes may be restricted.This lack of transparency and accountability has already caused economic harm to both creators and consumers. Many creators lost their primary source of income overnight, with no opportunity to appeal or receive clarification. Consumers have also reported losing access to games they had legally purchased, with no refund or recourse.When dominant financial institutions can quietly enforce vague or undisclosed content standards — resulting in the loss of income, access, or digital property — without legal oversight or public accountability, it sets a dangerous precedent. This form of financial gatekeeping affects access to lawful commerce, undermines consumer protections, and disproportionately harms independent creators and small businesses.

Script Pt 2

Based on script written by Trepe

1. Public Disclosure of Content Standards
Publication of the specific content policies they expect merchants, platforms, and developers to follow — particularly those that impact digital media, video games, or expressive works. These standards should be accessible, specific, and written in plain language.2. Clarification of Policy Involvement
Clarification of their role in the development and enforcement of policies like Steam’s Rule 15. This includes disclosing whether they explicitly requested the removal of certain games, what types of content are being flagged, and how those determinations are made.3. Appeals and Redress Process
Game developers and consumers affected by these removals should be given a clear and timely process to appeal content takedowns or account restrictions. If content was removed in error or without justification, it should be reinstated, and developers should be compensated for lost sales or visibility.4. Consumer Protections for Digital Purchases
Consumers who lost access to legally purchased games should receive a refund or alternative means of accessing their content. Financial institutions should not be able to indirectly revoke access to purchased goods without due process or recourse.5. Third-Party Oversight or Regulatory Review
Given this companys near-monopoly over payments, any private enforcement of moral or content-based rules should be subject to regulatory review. Their influence over lawful commerce and expression is too great to operate without transparency or oversight.These are reasonable expectations in any marketplace — especially when the decisions being made affect peoples livelihoods, legal rights, and access to their own property. I am not asking this company to allow illegal content, only to be transparent and accountable in how they define and apply restrictions over lawful digital content.

• Online Script
• Online Steps
• Phone Script

CFPB Contacts

Phone: 1-(855)-411-2372
Option selection: 1, 3Online Form Submission

PayPal/Stripe Instructions

• Online Script
• Online Steps
• Phone Script

CFPB Contacts

Phone: 1-(855)-411-2372
Option selection: 1, 3Online Form Submission

Phone Script

Based on script written by Trepe

(Start)

Hello, I'm calling to submit a complaint about two payment processors: Paypal and Stripe.On July 16, 2025, thousands of legal video games were suddenly removed from platforms such as Steam and itch.io without any prior warning or public explanation. Shortly after, Steam introduced a vague new rule (“Rule 15”) that cites the standards of payment processors — such as Visa and Mastercard — as justification for the removals. The exact wording is:“15. Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam's payment processors and related card networks and banks…”Itch has similarly indicated that payment processor pressure was the cause of the sweeping removal of content from their platforms.These examples are only the most recent in a wave of censorship of online platforms who all point at their payment processors as the source of the rulings. This company has repeatedly put pressure on the businesses it works with to restrict or disallow completely legal adult content from being sold on their platform.These restrictions are placed arbitrarily, without clear indication of what content may be disallowed, and often with pressure to be enforced overnight. Content such as Game of Thrones may be considered permissible, whilst other content that merely mentions adult themes may be restricted.This lack of transparency and accountability has already caused economic harm to both creators and consumers. Many creators lost their primary source of income overnight, with no opportunity to appeal or receive clarification. Consumers have also reported losing access to games they had legally purchased, with no refund or recourse.When dominant financial institutions can quietly enforce vague or undisclosed content standards — resulting in the loss of income, access, or digital property — without legal oversight or public accountability, it sets a dangerous precedent. This form of financial gatekeeping affects access to lawful commerce, undermines consumer protections, and disproportionately harms independent creators and small businesses.

(Provide personal information if asked - you may be required to provide legal name + address)

(Once they are submitting the complaint and ask for a short summary of the issue)

This company is arbitrarily placing restrictions on sale of legal content, without clear indication of what content may be disallowed, and often with pressure to be enforced overnight. Content such as Game of Thrones may be considered permissible, whilst other content that merely mentions adult themes may be restricted.This lack of transparency and accountability has already caused economic harm to both creators and consumers. Many creators lost their primary source of income overnight, with no opportunity to appeal or receive clarification. Consumers have also reported losing access to games they had legally purchased, with no refund or recourse.

(Once complaint is submitted)

Thank you for your assistance. Can you please walk me through how to access updates about this case?

Frequently Asked Questions

You can access the form here

(Easy step-by-step below scripts)
(If the site won't let you submit all 4 back to back, wait a few hours and it should let you continue)

Script Pt 1

This message is to lodge an official complaint about the ongoing pressure this company has placed on businesses to restrict or disallow adult content to be sold on their platform.These restrictions are not only counter to the concept of freedom of speech and expression, but are an overreach of their power and cause direct harm to both consumers and businesses.

Script Pt 2

(Does NOT allow for line breaks, don't add them!)

1) Remove from their Terms of Service anything barring the use of their service for sale and purchase of legal products. 2) Contact Steam (Valve), Itch.io, and any other company they have previously put pressure on to retract their content restrictions. 3) Put in place protections to prevent such restrictions from being put in place in the future without ample warning and time to contest them.

Customer Representative Abuse Script

Script Pt 1

I'm filing a complaint in regards to their conduct when I called in to inquire about the situation between them and several gaming platforms. Upon mentioning the nature of my call the representative on the phone was exceptionally rude to me. They (insert details here).This sort of behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable. This should not be how they treat their customers.

Script Pt 2

(Does NOT allow for line breaks, don't add them!)

I would like a formal apology, my initial complaint to be processed, and the company to re-train their call center staff to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Most news outlets have a tip line or email address - look for the contact info at the bottom of their site!

Email Script

Google doc version of script can be found here

Hello,This message is to reach out about the recent mass censorship of content on Itch as well as other platforms due to pressure from payment processors and the extremist group Collective Shout.There is an active letter writing campaign going on to push back against these decisions and encourage payment processors to allow sites to conduct business as they see fit.I believe this would make a great story for you to report on in regards to this issue. You can find the campaign’s website here:
https://anti-censorship-campaign.carrd.co/The original post starting the campaign here:
https://bsky.app/profile/voiddebris.bsky.social/post/3lupqc2p7jk2nAs well as more info in this doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MNAdVCogC14dinW4OCnzNX1JkhJdTmUIStzvSROChjo/edit?usp=sharingThank you for your time, and if you would like more information or to get a statement, you can contact the campaign organizer via email: [email protected]Thank you,
(Name)

• Contact Payment Processors
• Sign Petitions
• Contact Legislators
• Take More Action
• Get Involved
• FAQ
• Other Resources

• Contact Payment Processors
• Sign Petitions
• Contact Legislators
• Take More Action
• Get Involved
• FAQ
• Other Resources

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Aug 27, 2025

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Aug 25, 2025

Complex

Aug 22, 2025

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Aug 14, 2025

Aftermath

Aug 13, 2025

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Unwinnable

Aug 11, 2025

Trans News

Aug 9, 2025

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Polygon

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Tech Crunch

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Aftermath

July 30, 2025

Wired

July 30, 2025

Stripe/Paypal Alternatives

MC/Visa Alternatives

Itch/Steam/Etc Alternatives

You can reference these in your calls