Zenko Kurishita Takes A Stand: Credit Card Giants Called Out Over Game Censorship

Zenko Kurishita's Bold Move Against Financial Censorship

Zenko Kurishita, a Japanese politician and former assemblyman, has recently turned his attention to a pressing global issue: the growing influence of credit card companies in the censorship of video game content. This move aligns with his history of championing open creative expression, a stance he has maintained since gaining notoriety in 2020 for opposing limits on children's gaming time in Japan.

Kurishita's latest crusade targets what he calls "invisible censorship," a phenomenon whereby financial institutions, particularly credit card giants, impose restrictions without clearly defined rules. This isn't a new issue in Japan; it gained traction in 2022 with platforms like DLsite facing sudden crackdowns. However, the scope of the problem has since expanded globally, impacting mainstream gaming platforms.

Unmasking the Opaque World of Censorship

Kurishita argues that the true threat lies not only in the content removals but in the lack of transparency surrounding them. Credit card companies such as Visa and Mastercard often cloak their guidelines under broad statements about "brand reputation," leaving platforms in the dark. "From people I've spoken with at multiple platforms, they're just suddenly told, 'Starting next week, you won't be able to use our services anymore,'" Kurishita shared.

“Because the structure is so complex, you can’t clearly tell who is regulating what, or for what purpose. That uncertainty is the most frightening part.”

This indirect enforcement method appears intentional to Kurishita, designed to distribute responsibility across multiple layers and make accountability elusive. Despite Visa and Mastercard's denials of direct involvement, their policies invariably influence what content gets censored, creating an alarming situation.

The Alarming Complexity of Modern-Day Censorship

Kurishita highlights how this intricate system of censorship enables these companies to wield control without fear of public backlash. The ambiguity regarding who dictates the rules and why only amplifies the fear surrounding these actions. Kurishita warns that the public's lack of awareness about the magnitude of this issue allows financial giants to continue their practices unchecked.

As the debate on censorship in gaming evolves, Kurishita's voice adds a crucial perspective, urging transparency and accountability from the financial institutions that hold significant sway over creative industries. His engagement is a call to action for those affected to demand clarity and fairness in how content is regulated.