Itch.io's Payment Processing Predicament: Is Building Your Own System the Answer?

Itch.io faced backlash after payment processors forced them to remove adult content. Many suggested Itch.io create its own payment system or use one that handles adult material. A seasoned SRE with a background in finance and tech debunks these easy solutions. The article details the immense challenges of building a payment processor: bank sponsorship, licensing, KYC/KYCC compliance, and substantial security and compliance costs. Even finding an adult-content-friendly processor (like CCBill) comes with exorbitant fees and risks. The core issue, however, is that any part of the payment chain can be influenced by political pressure or moral censorship. Switching processors won't solve Itch.io's fundamental problem. The author ultimately pleads for understanding of Itch.io's position and a search for systemic solutions, rather than simple blame or boycotts.