Itch.io Implements New Guidelines for Adult Content: A Response to Deindexing Pressures

In response to recent pressures from payment processors and a campaign led by the anti-porn organization Collective Shout, the indie game distribution platform Itch.io has released new guidelines governing adult content on its site. This comes on the heels of the company's decision to deindex all adult content from its search and browsing functionalities last week, a move that sparked significant backlash from the independent development community.

According to Leaf Corcoran, the founder of Itch.io, the changes were prompted by scrutiny from payment processors concerning the nature of certain content available on the platform. In a statement regarding the deindexing, Corcoran mentioned that it was specifically influenced by concerns about a game titled "No Mercy," which had previously been available on Itch.io before its removal. The public outcry following the removal of adult content has led to the establishment of a new pathway for adult-themed projects, contingent upon compliance with a set of updated rules.

The newly implemented guidelines are detailed in the platform's FAQ section and include a non-exhaustive list of prohibited themes, which align with the policies of major payment processors such as Stripe, PayPal, and Payoneer. Prohibited content types include non-consensual acts, underage themes, incest, bestiality, and any content that implies sex trafficking or sexual violence. The guidelines explicitly state that any violations could result in the freezing of accounts and withholding of payments, necessitating strict adherence to these rules.

The reintroduction of adult content on Itch.io, albeit under stringent conditions, has reignited discussions about the influence of payment processors and advocacy groups on the accessibility of adult content within digital marketplaces. Many industry observers are questioning the extent of power such entities hold over platforms that host user-generated content. As highlighted by industry analyst Dr. Emily Thompson, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, "This incident underscores the tension between moral advocacy and the business interests of tech platforms, raising questions about free expression and the role of payment processors in content moderation."

The guidelines have drawn mixed reactions from developers and users alike. Some view them as a necessary compromise that allows for the existence of adult content while ensuring compliance with regulatory and ethical standards. Others, however, argue that the restrictions are overly broad and could stifle creative expression and the diversity of content available on the platform.

Dr. Michael Anderson, a sociologist at Stanford University, remarked, "While Itch.io's new guidelines may seem reasonable, they risk marginalizing certain narratives that are vital for exploring complex human experiences. The challenge lies in ensuring that content moderation does not equate to censorship."

The broader implications of these changes may extend beyond Itch.io, as other platforms grapple with similar pressures from payment processors and advocacy groups. Earlier this month, Steam also faced scrutiny and responded by tightening its policies regarding adult content. These developments reflect a growing trend where the financial and operational decisions of digital marketplaces are increasingly dictated by external pressures rather than user choice or artistic merit.

Looking forward, the adult content landscape within digital distribution platforms remains uncertain. Emerging voices within the community are advocating for more nuanced moderation policies that uphold both ethical standards and creative freedom. As the conversation continues, developers and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how Itch.io navigates this complex terrain in the future.