Overview
- The Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to the CEOs of Mastercard, Visa, PayPal and Stripe, saying the agency may investigate and take enforcement action if companies deny service based on political or religious views.
- FTC chair Andrew N. Ferguson argued that people need access to payment systems to take part in commerce and public life, calling it contrary to American values to block lawful businesses because of their beliefs.
- A 2025 fight over NSFW games on Steam exposed how the system works, as payment processors cited Mastercard policy 5.12.7 on brand‑damaging transactions even as Mastercard said it did not order removals.
- Indie storefront Itch.io hid adult games after Stripe said its banking partners restricted sexually explicit content, underscoring how bank partners and processors can limit what creators can sell online.
- Coverage suggests the letters could ease pressure on developers and storefronts, though vague compliance language may still let processors keep restrictions unless regulators follow through with clear action.