Recent social media discussions have centered on growing opposition to the policies of major payment platforms like MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, and Stripe. A diverse coalition, including gamers, artists, adult content producers, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ activists, has joined forces to challenge what they view as censorship by these processors, especially concerning content on Steam and itch.io. Thousands have voiced their concerns on platforms like Twitter and Bluesky, advocating for direct engagement with customer support at these payment networks to combat what they consider third-party policing of “acceptable” content within the gaming industry.
Beyond gamers and adult content creators, VTubers are also speaking out against what they feel is unfair censorship of online content. These virtual YouTubers, particularly those who produce adult-oriented material and are sometimes called AVTubers or “lewdtubers,” are mobilizing their audiences to raise awareness. They aim to highlight a broader pattern of censorship impacting NSFW artists across various platforms, extending from Steam to Fansly.
“Time to Contact Payment Processors”
Lucky Cat Kira, an adult voice artist and lewdtuber, recently drew attention to online censorship using a striking visual. She posted a video on social media featuring her VTuber avatar partially obscured by content warnings related to the U.K.’s Online Safety Act, with screenshots referencing ongoing censorship issues, including the U.S.’s KOSA bill and online discussions about contacting MasterCard.
“Time to contact payment processors who took this away from you,” Kira posted, alongside contact details for Stripe, MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal, also sharing related infographics.
Speaking with Kotaku, Kira described the current movement against censorship by MasterCard and Visa as the most significant collective action she’s witnessed since the public response to OnlyFans’ attempted NSFW content ban.
“There’s substantial overlap between the communities impacted,” Kira stated. “VTubers rely on game creators, artists, voice actors, and sex workers. We commission work from each other, collaborate on streams, and rely on each other’s communities. Many of us participate in activities on both Steam and itch.io. I’ve seen individuals from each of these groups taking action.”
Lewdtubers perceive the censorship issues affecting Steam and itch.io as relevant to their work. Podgekinn, a goblin lewdtuber and adult voice actor, views the policy changes at Steam and itch.io as part of a larger trend. In comments to Kotaku, Podgekinn pointed to Fansly’s updated Terms of Service, which effectively restricted furry content, reportedly to comply with the requirements of its payment processors.
“VTubers aren’t uniquely at risk, but we face distinct challenges,” Podgekinn said. “For example, some creators using furry avatars had to redesign them on Fansly, removing content or risking bans.”
Kira highlighted the intersections between lewdtubers and other creative fields, citing those who contribute voice work to adult video games, including Podgekinn.
“I voice characters in games affected by these changes. It introduces uncertainty into my voice acting and adult content creation work,” they said. “The issues affecting Fansly, Steam and Itch.io stem from the same payment processor pressures, impacting content creators to reassess and sometimes fundamentally alter their content.”
VTubers Show Solidarity Against Online Censorship
Many VTubers have experienced online censorship before, and see current incidents as part of a longer history. Some referred to the Tumblr NSFW ban. Another lewdtuber mentioned that payment processors have had restrictive guidelines that creators have had to navigate for years. They also pointed to broader censorship of VTubers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
“Lewdtubers are vulnerable because they’re at the intersection of groups heavily restricted online,” the lewdtuber said. “VTubers are often treated as sexual on Twitch and YouTube, even without NSFW content, resulting in issues on both platforms. Payment processors are also strict regarding lewdtuber content. There’s animosity between lewdtubers and IRL camgirls. Projekt Melody received backlash for streaming on Chaturbate. The situation is challenging.”
YouTube and Twitch are known for acting punitively toward VTubers. ASMR VTubers commonly face warnings on YouTube despite following guidelines, while Twitch bans often lack context. Yuna believes creators will need to consider whether their content is acceptable to platforms.
“I’d like to emphasize that this impacts more than just NSFW content,” Yuna told Kotaku. “I worry that these companies will pressure us to conform to their ideals, and I don’t want that.”
The adult VTubing scene faces increased scrutiny. However, lewdtubers are showcasing unity and collective action. Podgekinn advocates contacting representatives and using financial choices to influence companies. Yuna suggests communicating with payment processors and discussing deplatforming.
Censorship by payment processors can be problematic when remote corporations determine what can be sold on independent platforms. If consumers act to support content creators, change is possible.
“Fans’ power comes from numbers,” Kira said. “By making payment processors know the extent of our concern, we can push for change through collective action.”
(Disclosure: Podgekinn has provided voice work for Shady Corner Games, a studio for which reporter Ana Valens is an affiliate. Lady Kira Cat and Podgekinn also serve as affiliates for Shady Corner Games.)