Link: What’s a smut peddler to do these days?

Itch.io's sudden removal of over 20,000 pages of adult content has left many creators feeling betrayed and anxious about their future. As the number of platforms willing to host such material dwindles, creators are actively seeking alternatives to sustain their livelihoods.

Some creators have responded by organizing campaigns to pressure payment processors, hoping to restore their content on platforms like itch.io. Others are turning away from reliance on external platforms altogether, opting to set up their own websites.

However, even self-hosting does not offer complete security, as exemplified by PixelJail, who had to geoblock their websites in the UK due to stringent online safety laws. These regulations are becoming more common globally, often requiring costly age verification systems that can jeopardize privacy.

Historically, platform hopping has been a recurring theme for adult content creators, with major sites like Tumblr, Patreon, and Gumroad eventually restricting or banning such content due to pressures from payment providers. This pattern disrupts creator incomes and forces them to continuously seek new homes for their work.

In light of these challenges, the adult creator community has been leveraging its collective strength, sharing resources and support through new initiatives like newsletters and collective calls for change. This solidarity helps them navigate the uncertain terrain of digital content regulations.

Ultimately, the ongoing censorship battles highlight the precarious nature of relying on mainstream platforms for adult content, pushing creators towards more independent and secure distribution methods. The shifting landscape underscores a broader dialogue on the regulation of adult content online and the balance between safety and freedom of expression. #

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.