Merchant account payment processor Cardservice International has confirmed it will no longer accept adult Internet businesses as clients.
After speculation that cropped up earlier this week, CSI confirmed to AVNOnline.com that they will no longer accept Websites that include adult content and will be severing business ties altogether with such sites within six weeks.
"We're getting out of business with those type of sites," said Jim Green of First Data, Cardservice International's parent company.
Neither Green nor Card Service International spokesperson Samantha Smith would comment further, offering no reason as to why the company was backing away from adult.
According to Jettis, a third-party and gateway payment processor, CSI has begun sending notices to their incumbent adult Internet clients regarding the decision. Jettis client services manager Jennifer Maddux told AVNOnline.com that some CSI clients were also Jettis clients, and thus Jettis knew almost as soon as the decision was made that CSI was dropping adult clientele.
"I really don't know," Maddux said, when asked whether she knew specifically why CSI decided to drop adult. She added that she couldn't confirm speculation that some government pressure may have been involved. "It is [CSI's] business, and it is not likely that they're going to divulge that. I think this is a rough time for a lot of people right now."
AVNOnline.com will report further developments as they arise.
