NieR Creator Says that Payment Processors’ Censorship is a Threat to Democracy

Yoko Taro, the creator of Drakengard and NieR, recently voiced his concerns about the growing influence of Western payment processors on Japanese adult content platforms. Posting on his X account, Taro highlighted the dangers posed by payment processors who restrict legal adult content beyond local regulations

NieR Creator Says that Payment Processors’ Censorship is a Threat to Democracy

According to Taro, payment companies are imposing restrictions that surpass legal boundaries, blocking payments for adult content, which he sees as a “threat to democracy.” He stated, “By controlling payment processors, one could censor the free speech of another country.”

Taro also added that this issue extends beyond adult content censorship, posing a broader threat to democratic values, as control over payment processing has significant implications for freedom of expression.

This debate intensified with the announcement of Manga Library Z’s closure, a platform that had preserved digital editions of out-of-print manga for 14 years. The platform was pressured by credit card companies to censor specific manga content and ultimately lost all its payment options due to transactions involving adult content.

Other Japanese platforms, including DLsite, Skeb, Fantia, Pixiv, and Niconico, have also been forced to adopt alternative payment options such as cryptocurrency and Japan-specific payment methods due to similar censorship demands. However, these alternatives have low user adoption rates.

Yoko Taro warns that the power held by payment processors over platforms is harmful, not only by censoring legal erotic media but also by potentially undermining the democracy of other nations.

via Voce Sabia Anime