WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission said it has sent warning letters to major payment companies, including Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and Stripe, cautioning them against denying service to consumers or businesses based on political or religious beliefs.
In a news release, the FTC said the letters remind payment processors and financial technology firms that federal law prohibits unfair or deceptive practices, including discriminatory conduct that could harm consumers’ access to financial services.
The agency said it is concerned about reports that some individuals and organizations may have been denied access to payment platforms due to their viewpoints, raising questions about whether such actions could violate consumer protection laws.
No Specific Allegations
The letters do not allege specific violations but serve as a warning that the agency is monitoring the issue and could take enforcement action if it finds companies are engaging in unlawful discrimination.
The FTC said payment platforms play a critical role in commerce, allowing businesses and individuals to send and receive money, process transactions and participate in the digital economy. Restricting access based on protected characteristics or viewpoints could raise legal concerns, the agency said.
The FTC said it will continue to evaluate practices in the payments industry and take action when necessary to protect consumers and ensure fair access to financial services.
