There’s been an attack on art in recent years by rightwing puritan reactionaries who won’t stop until everything is hetero, white, Christian, and bland. That has been in the form of book bans as well as attacks on credit card companies and payment processors.
In 2025, an “anti-porn lobby” got payment processors to censor thousands of video games and digital platforms Steam and Itch to remove video games from their stores. In their reporting on the topic, CBC has the payment processor Stripe stating:
We do not support adult content.
While PayPal stated they take action on anything “that violates the law, our policies, or the policies of our partner banks and card networks.”
Which brings us to Kickstarter, the popular crowdfunding platform/storefront which has updated its “rules” and in doing so, banned Adult Content. It is believed to be due to Kickstarter using Stripe as its payment processor as the reason for the change.
According to artist and writer Mike Wolfer, Kickstarter began emailing creators in March 2026 to inform them that “Stripe will conduct its own review” of any projects featuring “adult/NSFW content.” It could then choose to shut down any projects while they’re “live, or even after” they’ve been successfully funded.
What Changed?
On May 9, Kickstarter’s “rules” read as follows:
We welcome and support projects from a variety of categories: Art, Comics, Crafts, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film & Video, Food, Games, Journalism, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology, and Theater. Here are five rules every Kickstarter project must follow.
Projects must create something to share with others.Kickstarter can be used to create all sorts of things: art and gadgets, events and spaces, ideas and experiences. But every project needs a plan for creating something and sharing it with the world. At some point, the creator should be able to say: “It’s finished. Here’s what we created. Enjoy!”
Projects and backer statistics must be honest and clearly presented.Our community is built on trust and communication. Projects can’t mislead people or misrepresent facts. Creators should be candid about what they plan to accomplish and how they plan to do it. When a project involves manufacturing and distributing something complex, like a gadget, we require projects to show backers a prototype of what they’re making, and we prohibit the use of misleading imagery. Creators should not misrepresent or artificially inflate the number of backers or amounts pledged to their projects.
- Prototype demonstration should reflect a product’s current state and should not include any CGI or special effects to demonstrate functionality that does not yet exist. If a project requires software and hardware integration, creators are required to show that functionality and any dependency clearly, or disclose that it has not yet been developed.
- Misleading imagery includes photorealistic renderings and heavily edited or manipulated images or videos that could give backers a false impression of a product’s current stage of development.
- Projects developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology or including AI-generated content are allowed in some situations, so long as the creator is transparent about how it will be used and they are contributing creativity to the project. Additional context on our rules about the use and development of AI can be found on our Creator Questions page.
- Updates should be communicated to backers at regular intervals to honestly communicate the progress of the work.
Additional context on our rules requiring prototypes and prohibiting misleading imagery can be found here. Further guidance on crafting an honest and clearly presented project can be found here. Additional context on presenting facts about backers can be found here.
Projects can’t fundraise for charity.
While nonprofits are welcome to launch projects on Kickstarter, projects can’t promise to raise funds to donate to a charity or cause. Funds raised on Kickstarter must go towards facilitating the project outlined by the creator on the project page.
Projects can’t offer equity.
Investment is not permitted on Kickstarter. Projects can’t offer incentives like equity, revenue sharing, or investment opportunities.
Projects can’t involve prohibited items.
We do not allow any of these things.
These rules don’t cover every possible use of Kickstarter, but they explain our purpose and perspective. Final decisions regarding which projects are appropriate for Kickstarter are based on these rules and made at our discretion.
But, on May 12, those rules were updated to include AI, Charity, Mature Content, and Hate and Violence.
We welcome and support projects from a variety of categories: Art, Comics, Crafts, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film & Video, Food, Games, Journalism, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology, and Theater. Here are some requirements that every Kickstarter project must follow.
Projects must create something new to share with others.
Kickstarter can be used to create all sorts of things, but every project needs a plan for creating something and sharing it with the world.
- All rewards must be new and unique.
- All rewards must have been produced or designed by the project or one of its collaborators.
- As long as there is human creativity and human involvement, the use of AI is permitted.
Information must be honest and clearly presented.
Our community is built on trust and communication. Projects can’t mislead people or misrepresent facts.
- Projects should be clearly and fully presented at the time of submission. Making substantial edits or additions that change the core of a project after submission may result in the project being canceled.
- Projects must solely contain materials that the creator has rights to using. Stealing content or using it without permission is illegal and may lead to intellectual property disputes.
D&T Projects- Prototype demonstration should reflect a product’s current state and should not include any CGI or special effects to demonstrate functionality that does not yet exist. If a project requires software and hardware integration, creators are required to show that functionality and any dependency clearly, or disclose that it has not yet been developed.
App Projects
- Projects developing apps or software must fit into an existing category and must be based on original, creative thinking. Like Design and Technology projects, a prototype must be demonstrated.
Creators and Collaborators
By using Kickstarter, you agree to, in addition to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy:
Be honest and transparent. Creators should be candid about what they plan to accomplish and how they plan to do it.
- Creators and their Collaborators should not misrepresent or artificially inflate the number of backers or amounts pledged to their projects.
- Creators and their Collaborators must add personal information that accurately reflects their own identity and, when applicable, accurate information for their business.
- Where a project is being launched on behalf of a business or other legal entity, entity information must be disclosed and presented clearly to users.
- Creators and their Collaborators must not use Kickstarter as a method to funnel engagement to external websites or platforms.
Be engaged and committed.
- Creators and their Collaborators are expected to regularly update their projects and respond to messages in a timely manner.
- Creators and their Collaborators are expected to put a genuine effort into fully completing their projects. If failure occurs, creators should be proactive about communicating this to backers.
- Creators and their Collaborators should try to resolve issues directly with the backers. Kickstarter may be able to assist in certain situations however we are generally unable to mediate disagreements
- Creators and their Collaborators are asked to engage with any and all outreach from Kickstarter teams.
Be respectful.
- Creators and their Collaborators, along with all our users, are asked to treat others with respect and kindness, even when disagreements arise.
- Creators and their Collaborators should not spam or distribute any unsolicited communications.
- Creators and their Collaborators should protect backer information.
Rules
These Rules cover content that has limitations or content that is prohibited on our site. These Rules reflect our values and seek to protect the safety and well-being of our community.
Projects are also subject to our partner’s Rules and Restrictions.
AI Use
Creators must be transparent about how AI is used.
Excessive AI use in projects, occurring when projects have little to no human thought or human involvement in the creation and/or execution of the goal, is prohibited. Creators should clearly explain how AI is being used in the project and should refer to Kickstarter’s Support pages on AI guidance for additional information.
Charity
A portion, up to 10%, of campaign funds may be donated to charity provided this is disclosed at the time of submission. Creators may also donate Reward items.
Mature Content
Kickstarter is committed to providing a space for creative expression, while also ensuring that content is appropriate for a diverse audience. Kickstarter is not a venue for adult-only or sexually explicit content and such content is prohibited.
We do not allow:
- Any project specifically stating it or the rewards being offered are being created for sexual pleasure.
- Any project that distributes or enables distribution of pornographic content.
- Any project that seeks funding for receiving or providing sexual services or spaces that offer sexual services.
- Any project that promotes, glorifies, or praises sexual or abusive content or language that is coercive, degrading, humiliating, or otherwise sexually exploitative or abusive. For example: derogatory terminology (“slut”, “whore”, “MILF/DILF”, etc.) and explicitly violent (rape fantasy, etc.)
- Illegal content (bestiality, incest, etc.)
- Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material. Kickstarter takes the protection of children and vulnerable populations very seriously. We prohibit any and all sexual content and nudity of actual, or inferred, minors and vulnerable persons. If we detect or are alerted to sexually explicit content involving underage persons, we will report it to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC or other equivalent law enforcement or designated reporting body, as required by applicable law).
- Photographs, photo-realistic depictions, printed models, sculpture, and illustrations of:
- Sex acts or implied sex acts, inclusive of masturbation.
- Nudity inclusive of female nipples/areolas, genitalia, anuses, gluteal cleft (buttocks).
- Implied nudity where the subject is wearing lingerie, fetish wear, or clothing that is see-through or very tight and shows human genitalia, the anus, or the nipple/areola of female breasts.
- Sexual wellness products that:
- Are explicitly designed for sexual stimulation through insertion or penetration, or are intended to have body parts inserted into them.
- Are marketed or presented primarily for sexual gratification in a manner that creates heightened safety or moderation concerns.
- Dating or meet up type websites, applications and other software.
We do allow:
- Romance/”spicy” literature, including comic books
- Sexual wellness products that are not designed for insertion or penetration and are not marketed primarily for sexual gratification. Examples may include lubricants, nipple jewelry, and other intimate items such as bras and underwear.
- Any photographs or illustrations containing:
- Revealing photographs in a non-sexual setting. Examples of this are: a model in swimwear or an actor in their boxers getting ready for work.
- Intimate acts that are not explicitly sex acts. Examples of this are: two people kissing, two people cuddling, etc.
- Nudity (breasts, genitalia, anuses, gluteal cleft/buttocks) found in projects that are portrayed in a non-sexualized, scientific, educational, or documentary style where the focus is not on genitalia or reproductive organs.
Kickstarter may still restrict content that is presented in a sexualized, exploitative, or otherwise harmful manner, even if it falls within an otherwise permitted category.
Anti-evasion / anti-circumvention
Creators may not evade any of these rules through cropped, blurred, obscured, misleadingly labeled, or otherwise disguised content.
Hate and Violence
Kickstarter does not tolerate discrimination, bigotry, intimidation, exploitation, or intolerance towards marginalized groups. We do not support projects that promote, glorify, incite, or threaten violence or other illegal acts.This includes hateful content, incitement, violent threats, glorification of violence, extremist content, and symbols, slogans, or terms that are associated with hateful rhetoric or violent ideologies.Kickstarter may evaluate context on a case-by-case basis where such content appears in documentary, educational, historical, journalistic, or anti-hate uses.
Reporting
Users and rights holders may report violations of these Rules through Kickstarter reporting channels which can be found here.
Enforcement
Kickstarter may reject, remove, hide, cancel, suspend, or otherwise restrict projects and/or accounts that violate this policy, and may take additional action where required by law or where necessary to protect users.
Prohibited Items/Applications
- Cryptocurrencies and NFTs
- Service Providers: Projects cannot be centered around establishing and providing services (travel agent services, life coaching, food delivery, etc.)
- Marketplaces: Physical or virtual spaces where the primary purpose is to sell or re-sell items.
- AI companions (with and without a physical component, such as a robot) that:
- Offer romantic or sexual companionship
- Primarily advertise to children or parents/guardians of children
- Items claiming to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent a serious illness or condition, inclusive of sexual dysfunction.
- Items claiming to prevent a serious injury or death.
- Contests, raffles, or gambling games.
- Energy food and drinks, not inclusive of products where the primary ingredient is coffee beans or herbal tea.
- Alcohol
- Equity
- Live animals, fish, or birds.
- Human or animal body parts or fluids.
- Spaces for human or animal fighting or gambling.
- Drugs and related paraphernalia. This is inclusive of nicotine, tobacco, kava, psychedelics, and cannabis.
- Weapons and replicas of weapons designed or presented in such a manner that implies the ability to harm a person or an animal. This is also inclusive of weapon accessories.
- Knives without a clearly defined, non-violent purpose. This is inclusive of all knives that have automatic (switchblade), gravity, and ballistic components and knives that are disguised.
That’s a massive update that makes some things clearer and outright changes some policies. This 180 is being seen by many within the comic industry as a broadside against adult comics and possibly LGBT comics which had made themselves a popular category on the crowdfunding site. What’s listed under “Mature Content” is rather vague overall and up for interpretation that may not be consistent and likely will discriminate.
In 2015, the platform reincorporated as a “Benefit Corporation,” a for-profit entity that is “obligated to consider the impact of their decisions on society, not only shareholders. Radically, positive impact on society becomes part of a Benefit Corporation’s legally defined goals.” It’s hard to not see this change as a direct attack on its Benefit Corporation status and the company’s stated goals.
Kickstarter killed its stats page some time in January 2026, but the most recent archive in January 21, 2026 of them had these stats:
- Launched Projects: 33,730
- Total Dollars: $332,720,000
- Successful Dollars: $320,550,000
- Unsuccessful Dollars: $11,040,000
- Live Dollars: $1,130,000
- Live Projects: 184
- Success Rate: 68.85%
- Successfully Funded Projects: 23,097
- Less than $1,000 Raised: 2,562
- $1000 to $9,999 Raised: 14,430
- $10,000 to $19,999 Raised: 2,978
- $20,000 to $99,999 Raised: 2,701
- $100,000 to $999,999 Raised: 416
- $1,000,000 Raised: 10
As you can see, that’s not a small number and there’s over 23,000 projects that might have never come to fruition without Kickstarter.
There’s currently 260 projects that are live on the platform and 35,143 in the comic category currently, an increase of about 1,400 projects since January, over 300 new projects a month.
So, What Can the Comic Industry Do?
The comic industry as a whole is rife with saying one thing and doing absolutely nothing to actually back up their beliefs. But, it, the creators, publishers, and fans, do have power to either help change Kickstarter’s policies, force Kickstarter to find a new payment processing partner, or add in new steps to allow “adult content” on the site.
- Contact Kickstarter showing your anger at the change by sending them a message on social media or through their support.
- Creators need to stop using Kickstarter to fund their projects even if they’re not adult in a sign of solidarity.
- Publishers need to stop using Kickstarter to fund their projects even if they’re not adult in a sign of solidarity.
- Consumers need to stop supporting projects on Kickstarter and pressure creators and publishers to use alternative platforms.
Kickstarter will change its policies if its revenue is impacted and it’s clear this is the reason. Comics is often cited as one of the most successful categories on the platform and they will notice if activity vastly drops.
There are other platforms, other options, for crowdfunding beyond Kickstarter. All of them have their own good and bad aspects, none are perfect. But, to keep supporting and giving money to a platform that is squarely at odds with the industry is full of folly.
Kickstarter’s policy change has shown again that technology and the profit driven corporations behind them are not friends of creators or consumers. This should be yet another wake up call to build independence and self-reliance so creators and publishers can walk away and still succeed. It’s our jobs as fans and consumers to help them do exactly that without the need to support our adversaries.
