Steam, the popular digital distribution platform, has recently bowed to external pressures and removed a raft of adult games from its store. This development comes amid growing concerns over payment processors’ roles in facilitating transactions for controversial content. Now, the activist group behind this pressure—Collective Shout—has set its sights on cryptocurrency payment firms, suggesting they could be next in line for scrutiny.
The New Target: Crypto Payment Firms
Collective Shout, an organization known for its campaigns against the objectification of women and sexualization of girls, has been vocal about its intentions to extend its influence into the crypto sphere. According to insiders, they are considering a strategy to encourage crypto payment processors to sever their ties with adult content providers. The group argues that cryptocurrencies, with their pseudo-anonymous nature, have become a financial lifeline for industries that traditional payment routes have shunned.
An anonymous source within the organization highlighted their concerns: “Cryptocurrencies are enabling industries that we believe are harmful to society by offering them a financial haven. We think it’s time to hold these crypto firms accountable.”
Could Crypto Firms Feel the Heat?
The implications for the crypto market are significant. If Collective Shout successfully pressures key players like BitPay or Coinbase Commerce, it could lead to a reevaluation of partnerships with adult content providers. Such a move might ripple through the market, affecting smaller crypto firms and possibly sparking a debate about the ethical responsibilities of decentralized financial systems. This echoes concerns seen in other areas of the crypto world, such as the recent disappearance of a Bitcoin-fueled darknet marketplace, highlighting the challenges of accountability in decentralized spaces.
David Mercer, an analyst at a leading blockchain research firm, shared his insights. “This is not just about adult content—it’s about the wider conversation on ethical finance in the crypto world. If pressure groups can shape policy in this space, we might see a paradigmatic shift in how crypto firms operate.”
But here’s the catch: cryptocurrencies were designed to resist central control. Could this decentralized ethos withstand external pressures without compromising its foundational principles? It’s a question that many in the industry are beginning to ask.
Historical Context and Market Dynamics
To understand this potential shift, it’s instructive to look back at how payment processors have historically responded to similar pressures. In 2018, several major credit card companies stopped processing payments for certain adult websites, citing reputational risks and regulatory pressures. The fallout was immediate, with some businesses scrambling for alternatives—many turning to cryptocurrency for its lack of oversight and censorship resistance.
Fast forward to 2025, and the crypto landscape is vastly different. Major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum have matured, seeing widespread adoption and increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide. Moreover, new players and technologies—like stablecoins and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms—have added layers of complexity to the ecosystem. In this environment, the question of ethical responsibility becomes even more pronounced. For instance, the upcoming House vote on crypto market structure reflects the increasing regulatory focus on the industry.
Moving Forward: The Uncertain Road Ahead
As Collective Shout gears up for its campaign, the crypto community is left pondering the potential ramifications. Could this lead to a splintering of the market, with some firms catering exclusively to adult content providers and others distancing themselves for the sake of mainstream acceptance? Or perhaps, as some suggest, the pressure will fizzle out, leaving the status quo largely unchanged.
One thing is certain: the coming months will be pivotal for both crypto firms and their partners. The debate over ethical finance isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a conversation that’s here to stay. And as this dialogue unfolds, it raises questions about whether the crypto world can balance its foundational ideals with the growing demand for accountability.
In the meantime, all eyes are on the crypto payment firms. Will they stand firm or yield to external pressures? This unfolding drama could redefine the boundaries of decentralized finance, shaping the future of an industry still finding its feet in an ever-evolving landscape.
Source
This article is based on: A Pressure Group Forced Steam to Remove Adult Games. It’s Coming After Crypto Next
Further Reading
Deepen your understanding with these related articles:
- Crypto Market Structure Bill Will Kill DeFi in the US, Industry Leaders Say
- PayPal to Enable Businesses to Accept Bitcoin, Ethereum and Other Cryptocurrencies
- GameStop CEO teases crypto payments, says Bitcoin buys are inflation hedge
Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
