We have all seen the news reports from Charlottesville this week, as we have from too many other cities in the past several months. Regardless of where you live in the world, they offer a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism. The violence, intolerance and hatred that were on display are reprehensible and unacceptable.
The challenges of the growing fractures in our society persist and in some cases are intensifying. But racism, violence and hate speech have no place in our world. They are offensive; they are morally wrong; and they are diametrically opposed to who we are as people and what we stand for as a company.
At this time, it’s important to recognize the inclusiveness that is at the core of our company’s values. That is the culture we’ve worked hard to create and cultivate. We value tolerance, respect, equality and diversity, and we will not deviate from these principles.
We will ensure that our business practices, including the use of our network, remain consistent with these principles. We’ve been made aware of websites accepting our products that could be considered as “hate groups.” We have reviewed these websites and identified a number that we believe make specific threats or incite violence.
Long ago, we established standards that govern the use of our payments network. Chief among these is that we do not and will not permit merchants to engage in unlawful activity on our network.
As a result, we’re working with our acquirers to shut down the use of our cards on sites that make specific threats or incite violence — because this activity can be unlawful — as well as on those who wrongfully suggest that they accept our cards.
We believe that offensive speech will be seen for what it is and that it will lose its force in the free marketplace of ideas. For that reason, our cards may still be accepted at some sites that people find offensive. Our standard is whether a merchant’s activity is lawful, even when we disagree with what they say or do. That supports the ideals of free expression.
Yes, this is an issue that is deeply personal and emotional. But, it’s also an opportunity to show through our words and actions the decency for which we all stand.
13 Comments
If this becomes the universal policy and practice of businesses and other well-meaning entities across the globe, extremism can be marginalised peacefully.
Bravo to Business Council of Westchester member and great corporate citizen for this statement which demonstrates leadership , values and a commitment to our great Nation and the world. We are especially proud to share this message with the Westchester County, New York community. Thanks to board member Mercedes Garcia for sharing .
Thank you
Thank you for standing against hate. I am happy to share this news with my community.
sluut
Thank you for standing against hate. I am happy to share this news with my community.
The terms you have used in your statement on your corporate website under the “Mastercard Statement on the Use of our Network” are so vague that I feel they can be and are being misused. The term “extremism” is today considered a pejorative. Would it be bad to be extremely happy? Extremely pro freedom? The term “intolerance” used in a post that states expressly it will not tolerate certain viewpoints (with which in this case by the way I vehemently disagree, but which I do not believe should be shut down and driven underground) seems absurdly a contradiction. The term “hate speech” is completely subjective, and today is increasingly being used to shut conservative voices out of conversations. Recently it has been reported that this designation is being used by Master Card to vent a political animus toward Robert Spencer. Please let me know if this is true or false; if true I will cancel my credit card, discontinue doing business with Master Card and any affiliates, and will recommend all my friends do so as well. Thank you.
It’s great to read such an amazing article. This has helped me a lot to develop a nice concept about this new topic. it would be great if more information is being provided on this.
I’m glad I switched to visa then. Just shut up and process payments.
“… that make specific threats or incite violence”
Please tell us how the police handled the reports you surely sent them. After all, you claim to have uncovered criminal acts.
have you gone to the role of Censor now?
you have been credited with performing that role by the ideologue at Patreon.
I have had a mastercard for about 20 years. no more.
I’m very disturbed that MasterCard continues to do business with White Supremacists and NeoNatzi organizations who clearly are proud of their stated activities and lifestyles. I have a Capital One MasterCard and will close out the account in the next 30 days if you take no action to divest yourself of these partnerships. My credit score is excellent and I have no issues with taking my business to VISA.
Why do you continue to process payments for pzg.biz, a website that traffics in Nazi and Third Reich peoducts, including flags, banners, jewelry, daggers, etc. This site is about as “white supremacist” as they can be. Yet you make money whenever someone buys one of their products. Please end this.