this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2025
48 points (100.0% liked)
Gaming
3724 readers
72 users here now
The Lemmy.zip Gaming Community
For news, discussions and memes!
Community Rules
This community follows the Lemmy.zip Instance rules, with the inclusion of the following rule:
You can see Lemmy.zip's rules by going to our Code of Conduct.
What to Expect in Our Code of Conduct:
- Respectful Communication: We strive for positive, constructive dialogue and encourage all members to engage with one another in a courteous and understanding manner.
- Inclusivity: Embracing diversity is at the core of our community. We welcome members from all walks of life and expect interactions to be conducted without discrimination.
- Privacy: Your privacy is paramount. Please respect the privacy of others just as you expect yours to be treated. Personal information should never be shared without consent.
- Integrity: We believe in the integrity of speech and action. As such, honesty is expected, and deceptive practices are strictly prohibited.
- Collaboration: Whether you're here to learn, teach, or simply engage in discussion, collaboration is key. Support your fellow members and contribute positively to shared learning and growth.
If you enjoy reading legal stuff, you can check it all out at legal.lemmy.zip.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
What they're saying is: "we haven't called out any specific games, but we told steam if they can't prove a game is "lawful" well cut them off".
This effectively has a chilling effect because it means anything that could be illegal becomes toxic and risky for steam.
Its a way for Mastercard to dictate what can be sold without actually dictating what can be sold. Now the real issue is that at the end of the Mastercard is in a position where this matters and they can influence things. Should work just like cash and leave the government to decide what items are legal/illegal.
That interpretation is inviable because Mastercard is claiming to allow "all" lawful purchases on its network. And, given a purchase is lawful unless proved contrariwise (as a consequence of innocence unless proved guilt), it would need evidence that a purchase is unlawful, in order to prevent it.
So it's more than just dictating what can be sold without actually stating it - people there are lying.
Full agree.
I don't disagree with you on the first point. I put "unlawful" in quotes to imply that lawful/unlawful is ambiguous and gives Mastercard the cover they need to not really be lying in their statement, even if effectively they are.
Its corporate doublespeak to a T.
I get that you weren't disagreeing on the main point. And I think we agree that Mastercard is trying to have the cake and eat it too - it wants to be a censor without being acknowledged as such.