Civitai Embraces Crypto After Credit Card Processor Bans AI Content

Introduction to Crypto Payments at Civitai

Civitai, the world’s largest repository of generative AI models, introduced crypto payments this month. The move follows the loss of its credit card processor due to strict guidelines around AI-generated content. Customers now have the option to purchase Buzz Tokens, the platform’s virtual tokens, using a variety of cryptocurrencies.

Supported Cryptocurrencies and Benefits

The new payment options include USDC, USDT, Litecoin, Ethereum, TRON, Solana, Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. It is striking that Bitcoin is excluded due to high transaction fees. Civitai emphasizes that this move provides users with a safe and user-friendly way to obtain the Buzz tokens they need, increasing the accessibility of their offering. According to their implementation guide, USDC on the Base network is recommended, as it has no gas fees and processes transactions within 15-25 seconds. The platform supports most Ethereum-compatible wallets, with Coinbase being recommended as the easiest option.

Payment structure and user experience

Civitai charges a flat $1 fee for crypto purchases, which is significantly lower than the typical fees of traditional payment processors. Transaction times are fast, with Buzz tokens typically available immediately after confirmation on the blockchain. The secure payment process ensures that user wallet information is never stored on Civitai’s servers. This change in payment processing follows the credit card processor’s termination of the service on May 23, with the company citing that recent policy changes were insufficient to meet the former processor’s demands.

Regulatory Challenges for NSFW Content

Civitai isn’t alone in the industry in facing difficulties in acquiring payment services. The adult entertainment sector is facing increasing pressure from payment processors, who are often reluctant to work with NSFW content. Platforms like Pornhub have also made the move into crypto, particularly after losing support for major credit cards in late 2020. Civitai’s plight reflects a broader problem, with mainstream payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Square often banning adult content entirely, with even Visa and MasterCard allowing their member banks to reject such “risky” companies.

Civitai now has 3,2 million users who can use crypto to purchase Buzz, while the platform actively seeks out new credit card processors that are receptive to NSFW content under specific guidelines. These developments come amid an increasingly stringent regulatory framework, which recently saw the signing of the Take It Down Act, a legislative initiative that criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate images with a potential prison sentence of up to three years.

Feedback from the user community

The adoption of crypto as a solution to payment restrictions has provoked mixed reactions. While some users welcome the move, others are skeptical about its effectiveness. Some community members have sought out alternative platforms and archiving groups, but the majority of users have remained loyal to Civitai so far. The platform’s strict content guidelines have resulted in the removal of certain types of content, such as celebrity deepfakes and fan art, in order to comply with new legislation.

Closing note

Civitai’s introduction of crypto payments is a notable development that underscores the challenges of financial pressures and regulatory restrictions for NSFW and AI platforms. The custom payment model offers an innovative solution to improve user experience as the company navigates an increasingly stringent regulatory landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using crypto on Civitai?
Using crypto on Civitai offers benefits such as lower transaction fees and faster processing times. Additionally, users experience greater privacy as their wallet information is not stored on Civitai’s servers.

Why is Bitcoin excluded as a payment option?
Bitcoin is excluded due to its high transaction fees, making it a less attractive option for users looking for cost-effective payments.

How does Civitai compare to other platforms in the NSFW sector?
Civitai joins a growing number of NSFW platforms embracing crypto adoption to circumvent the limitations of traditional payment processing services, similar to platforms like Pornhub and LiveJasmin, which have also made the move to cryptocurrency after losing support from major credit card processors.