Kickstarter Retracts New Sexual Content Rules After Payment Processor Backlash
The episode reveals how payment processor policies are reshaping what crowdfunding platforms can allow, forcing platforms to choose between their community standards and the financial infrastructure they depend on.
Reporting from 2 sources: GameBusiness.jp, Game Spark.
Kickstarter has retracted its newly detailed guidelines on sexual expression, reverting to a simple rule against pornography and illegal content. The platform cited confusion caused by rules demanded by payment processor Stripe, which had been rejecting projects Kickstarter approved. The reversal follows community backlash from comic creators and media.
On May 20, Kickstarter pulled the detailed sexual expression guidelines it had recently added to its rules page, returning to the existing line that bans pornography and illegal content. The new rules had specified bans on nudity including female nipples, genitals, and implied nudity through lingerie or sheer clothing, and barred circumvention via cropping or blurring. Projects suspended under the new rules drew criticism from comic creators and media.
In a May 19 statement, Kickstarter explained the rule revision was driven by Stripe, its payment processor, which has its own regulatory standards. A series of projects approved by Kickstarter had been rejected by Stripe, and Kickstarter had been negotiating to help creators navigate Stripe's rules. The statement acknowledged the decision abandoned Kickstarter's anti-establishment spirit, leading to community backlash. The compromise reverts to the simple rule with a link to Stripe's prohibited activities, though Stripe retains authority to suspend projects. Kickstarter said it will exploit gaps between its rules and Stripe's to fight for creators.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.