{ "batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "articles": [ { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_gumroad_merchant_of_record_fund_holds", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad: fund_holds_and_payment_risk", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad can hold any or all of Supplier's funds pending settlement or not yet paid, even when account remains in good standing", "body": "Gumroad can hold any or all of Supplier's funds pending settlement or not yet paid, even when account remains in good standing\n\nWhat Gumroad, Inc. actually says:\n\n“Gumroad may place a hold on any or all of Supplier's funds pending settlement or not yet paid to Supplier (as applicable), and may pause, decline, delay or reduce any payout, in each case in Gumroad's sole discretion and whether or not Supplier's Account is suspended or terminated, where Gumroad suspects or has reason to believe that...”\n\nNote: Section 11.3(c) - holds on funds provision", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gumroad.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gumroad, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "Gumroad may place a hold on any or all of Supplier's funds pending settlement or not yet paid to Supplier (as applicable), and may pause, decline, delay or reduce any payout, in each case in Gumroad's sole discretion and whether or not Supplier's Account is suspended or terminated, where Gumroad suspects or has reason to believe that...", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Gumroad", "topic": "fund_holds_and_payment_risk", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all suppliers using Gumroad's merchant of record services", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "gumroad", "topic": [ "money.payout", "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_gumroad_refund_rate_triggers_fund_reserves", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad: refund_rate_fund_reserves", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] If Supplier experiences refund rate over 15%, Gumroad can hold 25% of Supplier's funds for 90 days; over 25% can result in account suspension", "body": "If Supplier experiences refund rate over 15%, Gumroad can hold 25% of Supplier's funds for 90 days; over 25% can result in account suspension\n\nWhat Gumroad, Inc. actually says:\n\n“If Supplier (or Gumroad, when selling a specific Supplier's Products) experiences a refund rate in excess of 15%, Supplier hereby authorizes us to hold in reserve an amount equal to 25% of Supplier's funds pending settlement or not yet paid to you (as applicable) for 90 days on a rolling basis to offset the potential cost of future refunds. If Supplier (or Gumroad, when selling a specific Supplier's Products) experiences a refund rate in excess of 25%, Supplier's Account may be suspended, terminated, or otherwise subject to additional conditions or fees.”\n\nNote: Section 11.3(b) - refund rate thresholds", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gumroad.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gumroad, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "If Supplier (or Gumroad, when selling a specific Supplier's Products) experiences a refund rate in excess of 15%, Supplier hereby authorizes us to hold in reserve an amount equal to 25% of Supplier's funds pending settlement or not yet paid to you (as applicable) for 90 days on a rolling basis to offset the potential cost of future refunds. If Supplier (or Gumroad, when selling a specific Supplier's Products) experiences a refund rate in excess of 25%, Supplier's Account may be suspended, terminated, or otherwise subject to additional conditions or fees.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Gumroad", "topic": "refund_rate_fund_reserves", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all suppliers using Gumroad's merchant of record services", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "gumroad", "topic": [ "money.payout", "money.fees", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_gumroad_prohibited_products_extensive_list", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad: prohibited_content_list", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad prohibits 56 categories of products and activities including gambling, adult content, counterfeit goods, cryptocurrencies, and many others", "body": "Gumroad prohibits 56 categories of products and activities including gambling, adult content, counterfeit goods, cryptocurrencies, and many others\n\nWhat Gumroad, Inc. actually says:\n\n“1. age or legally restricted products or services, 2. AI services which includes selling access to AI tools, chatbots, image or content generation services, or subscriptions to AI services that are fulfilled outside of Gumroad, 3. alcohol which includes alcohol or alcoholic beverages such as beer, liquor, wine, or champagne, 4. airlines, 5. bail bonds, 6. bankruptcy lawyers, 7. bidding fee or penny auctions, 8. billing services, 9. bulk marketing tools which includes email lists, software, or other products enabling unsolicited email messages (spam), 10. cell phones/pagers, 11. centralized reservation services, 12. chain letters, 13. cheats and hacks for other games and websites, 14. check cashing, 15. collection agencies, 16. consulting firms, 17. copyrighted media and software, 18. counterfeit and unauthorized goods, 19. credit card and identity theft protection, 20. cruise lines, 21. currency exchange, virtual currency, cryptocurrency, and other crypto products, 22. deceptive marketing practices, 23. door-to-door sales, 24. drug paraphernalia, 25. essay mills/paper mills, 26. extended warranties, 27. flea markets, 28. food products and ingredients, 29. fortune tellers, 30. gambling, 31. government IDs or documents, 32. hacking and cracking materials, 33. illegal products or services, 34. jewelry or beauty products, 35. mailing lists, 36. marijuana dispensaries and related businesses, 37. money service businesses, 38. money transmission, 39. multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes, 40. negative response marketing techniques, 41. offering substantial rebates or special incentives that are awarded to the cardholder subsequent to the original purchase, 42. pharmacies or internet pharmacies, 43. pseudo pharmaceuticals, 44. quasi-cash or stores of value, 45. reselling private label rights products, 46. security brokerage, 47. services, 48. sexually-oriented or pornographic content, 49. shipping/forwarding brokers, 50. substances designed to mimic illegal drugs, 51. telemarketing, 52. timeshares, 53. tobacco products, 54. weapons or ammunition, 55. wire transfers or money orders, 56. eSIMs”\n\nNote: Section 1 - Prohibited Products and Activities list", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gumroad.com/prohibited", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gumroad, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "1. age or legally restricted products or services, 2. AI services which includes selling access to AI tools, chatbots, image or content generation services, or subscriptions to AI services that are fulfilled outside of Gumroad, 3. alcohol which includes alcohol or alcoholic beverages such as beer, liquor, wine, or champagne, 4. airlines, 5. bail bonds, 6. bankruptcy lawyers, 7. bidding fee or penny auctions, 8. billing services, 9. bulk marketing tools which includes email lists, software, or other products enabling unsolicited email messages (spam), 10. cell phones/pagers, 11. centralized reservation services, 12. chain letters, 13. cheats and hacks for other games and websites, 14. check cashing, 15. collection agencies, 16. consulting firms, 17. copyrighted media and software, 18. counterfeit and unauthorized goods, 19. credit card and identity theft protection, 20. cruise lines, 21. currency exchange, virtual currency, cryptocurrency, and other crypto products, 22. deceptive marketing practices, 23. door-to-door sales, 24. drug paraphernalia, 25. essay mills/paper mills, 26. extended warranties, 27. flea markets, 28. food products and ingredients, 29. fortune tellers, 30. gambling, 31. government IDs or documents, 32. hacking and cracking materials, 33. illegal products or services, 34. jewelry or beauty products, 35. mailing lists, 36. marijuana dispensaries and related businesses, 37. money service businesses, 38. money transmission, 39. multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes, 40. negative response marketing techniques, 41. offering substantial rebates or special incentives that are awarded to the cardholder subsequent to the original purchase, 42. pharmacies or internet pharmacies, 43. pseudo pharmaceuticals, 44. quasi-cash or stores of value, 45. reselling private label rights products, 46. security brokerage, 47. services, 48. sexually-oriented or pornographic content, 49. shipping/forwarding brokers, 50. substances designed to mimic illegal drugs, 51. telemarketing, 52. timeshares, 53. tobacco products, 54. weapons or ammunition, 55. wire transfers or money orders, 56. eSIMs", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Gumroad", "topic": "prohibited_content_list", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all suppliers using Gumroad's platform", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "gumroad", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_podia_acceptable_use_content_restrictions", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia: content_policy_restrictions", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia prohibits illegal content, stolen content, child exploitation content, threats/violence, doxing, fraud/phishing, hate speech, harassment, and pornography", "body": "Podia prohibits illegal content, stolen content, child exploitation content, threats/violence, doxing, fraud/phishing, hate speech, harassment, and pornography\n\nWhat Podia Labs, Inc. actually says:\n\n“Content that is restricted includes: Illegal content. You may not host or sell any content that is disallowed by the laws of the jurisdictions in which you operate or do business, or which promotes illegal activity. Stolen content. You may not host or sell any content that infringes on the copyright or trademarks of others. Content that exploits children. You may not host or sell any content that exploits or abuses children... Content that threatens or incites violence. You may not host or sell content that threatens or encourages acts of violence. Doxing. You may not host or sell content that shares peoples' private information without their consent. Fraud or phishing. You may not conceal your identity for the purposes of stealing from, extorting, or harming others. Hate speech. You may not use Podia to attack or advocate for the abuse or exclusion of any person or community... Harassment. You may not use Podia to harass or intimidate anyone... Pornography and explicit content. You may not host or sell any content that falls under the category of pornography.”\n\nNote: Podia's Acceptable Use Policy section on restricted content", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.podia.com/aup", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Podia Labs, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "Content that is restricted includes: Illegal content. You may not host or sell any content that is disallowed by the laws of the jurisdictions in which you operate or do business, or which promotes illegal activity. Stolen content. You may not host or sell any content that infringes on the copyright or trademarks of others. Content that exploits children. You may not host or sell any content that exploits or abuses children... Content that threatens or incites violence. You may not host or sell content that threatens or encourages acts of violence. Doxing. You may not host or sell content that shares peoples' private information without their consent. Fraud or phishing. You may not conceal your identity for the purposes of stealing from, extorting, or harming others. Hate speech. You may not use Podia to attack or advocate for the abuse or exclusion of any person or community... Harassment. You may not use Podia to harass or intimidate anyone... Pornography and explicit content. You may not host or sell any content that falls under the category of pornography.", "volatility": "low", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Podia", "topic": "content_policy_restrictions", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all creators using Podia platform", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "choosing", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "podia", "topic": [ "rules.content", "access.signup" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_sendowl_chargeback_liability", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] SendOwl: chargeback_liability", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Suppliers are responsible for reimbursing Gumroad for chargebacks and disputes, including fees and costs incurred", "body": "Suppliers are responsible for reimbursing Gumroad for chargebacks and disputes, including fees and costs incurred\n\nWhat SendOwl actually says:\n\n“Supplier is responsible for reimbursing Gumroad for the amount of any monies paid by Gumroad to Buyers or Third-Party Service Providers, or any other parties, in connection with refunds, chargebacks or disputes, as well as for any other reasonable costs incurred by Gumroad in resolving these requests.”\n\nNote: SendOwl Section on Supplier responsibility for chargebacks", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://dashboard.sendowl.com/platform", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "SendOwl", "evidence_quote": "Supplier is responsible for reimbursing Gumroad for the amount of any monies paid by Gumroad to Buyers or Third-Party Service Providers, or any other parties, in connection with refunds, chargebacks or disputes, as well as for any other reasonable costs incurred by Gumroad in resolving these requests.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "SendOwl", "topic": "chargeback_liability", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to merchants using SendOwl platform", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "sendowl", "topic": [ "money.fees", "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_paddle_merchant_of_record_tax_liability", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle: tax_liability_merchant_of_record", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle is the merchant of record and responsible for Sales Tax administration, collection, reporting and remittance for Products resold through its platform", "body": "Paddle is the merchant of record and responsible for Sales Tax administration, collection, reporting and remittance for Products resold through its platform\n\nWhat Paddle Payments Ltd. actually says:\n\n“As the merchant of record, Gumroad will be treated as the supplier or principal, for relevant Indirect Tax purposes, in respect of Products resold by Gumroad through the Services, and, subject to as provided pursuant to these Terms of Services, will be responsible for the administration, collection, reporting and remittance of any relevant Indirect Tax.”\n\nNote: Paddle Master Services Agreement Section 10 - Tax provisions", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://vendors.paddle.com", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Paddle Payments Ltd.", "evidence_quote": "As the merchant of record, Gumroad will be treated as the supplier or principal, for relevant Indirect Tax purposes, in respect of Products resold by Gumroad through the Services, and, subject to as provided pursuant to these Terms of Services, will be responsible for the administration, collection, reporting and remittance of any relevant Indirect Tax.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Paddle", "topic": "tax_liability_merchant_of_record", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to suppliers using Paddle's merchant of record services", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "paddle", "topic": [ "money.tax" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_ko_fi_no_id_verification", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ko-fi: age_verification_lack", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ko-fi does not require age verification or identity verification for creators or supporters", "body": "Ko-fi does not require age verification or identity verification for creators or supporters\n\nWhat Ko-fi Labs Limited actually says:\n\n“We do not knowingly collect or solicit personally identifiable information from children under 16 years of age. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 16 years of age, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.”\n\nNote: Ko-fi Terms section on age and identity verification", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://more.ko-fi.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ko-fi Labs Limited", "evidence_quote": "We do not knowingly collect or solicit personally identifiable information from children under 16 years of age. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under 16 years of age, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Ko-fi", "topic": "age_verification_lack", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all users of Ko-fi platform", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "kofi", "topic": [ "access.id" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_gumroad_suspension_no_refund", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad: account_suspension_no_refund", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad can suspend or terminate Supplier accounts without refund, even for dormant accounts or negative balances", "body": "Gumroad can suspend or terminate Supplier accounts without refund, even for dormant accounts or negative balances\n\nWhat Gumroad, Inc. actually says:\n\n“Gumroad will have the right to immediately suspend or terminate Supplier's Account and Supplier's rights to access, use and/or otherwise participate in the Platform, or any portion thereof, in the event of any conduct that Gumroad, in its sole discretion, considers unacceptable. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event Supplier breaches any term of this Agreement, or Supplier's Account becomes dormant and/or has a negative balance, Gumroad will have the right to immediately suspend or terminate Supplier's Account and Supplier's rights to access, use and/or otherwise participate in the Platform.”\n\nNote: Gumroad Terms Section 11.3(a) - Suspension/termination without refund", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gumroad.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gumroad, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "Gumroad will have the right to immediately suspend or terminate Supplier's Account and Supplier's rights to access, use and/or otherwise participate in the Platform, or any portion thereof, in the event of any conduct that Gumroad, in its sole discretion, considers unacceptable. Without limiting the foregoing, in the event Supplier breaches any term of this Agreement, or Supplier's Account becomes dormant and/or has a negative balance, Gumroad will have the right to immediately suspend or terminate Supplier's Account and Supplier's rights to access, use and/or otherwise participate in the Platform.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Gumroad", "topic": "account_suspension_no_refund", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all suppliers using Gumroad's platform", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "gumroad", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_podia_termination_content_removal", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia: termination_content_deletion", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia may terminate accounts and delete all associated content without refund or recovery options for creators", "body": "Podia may terminate accounts and delete all associated content without refund or recovery options for creators\n\nWhat Podia Labs, Inc. actually says:\n\n“Account termination may result in destruction of any Content associated with your account, so keep that in mind before you decide to terminate your account. If you have deleted your account by mistake, contact us immediately at hello@podia.com – we will try to help, but unfortunately, we can’t promise that we can recover or restore anything.”\n\nNote: Podia Terms section on account termination and content deletion", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.podia.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-09-30", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Podia Labs, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "Account termination may result in destruction of any Content associated with your account, so keep that in mind before you decide to terminate your account. If you have deleted your account by mistake, contact us immediately at hello@podia.com – we will try to help, but unfortunately, we can’t promise that we can recover or restore anything.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Podia", "topic": "termination_content_deletion", "applies_to_country": "us", "applies_to_scope": "Applies to all creators using Podia platform", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "podia", "topic": [ "rules.enforcement" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261024-200229Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_gumroad_prohibited_products", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad: Money.fees", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Gumroad's prohibited products list (revised Sept 2026) includes 56 categories of products not allowed on the platform, including age-restricted items, AI services, alcohol, bail bonds, bankruptcy lawyers, bidding fee auctions, billing services, cell phones, chain letters, cheats/hacks, check cashing, collection agencies, consulting firms, copyrighted media, counterfeit goods, credit card theft protection, cruise lines, cryptocurrency, deceptive marketing, door-to-door sales, drug paraphernalia, essay mills, extended warranties, flea markets, food products, fortune tellers (predictive services), gambling, government IDs, hacking materials, illegal products, jewelry/beauty products, mailing lists, marijuana dispensaries, money service businesses, money transmission, multi-level marketing, negative response marketing, rebates, pharmacies, pseudo-pharmaceuticals, quasi-cash, private label rights, security brokerage, services (get rich quick, business opportunities, investment opportunities, mortgage consulting, real estate purchases, mortgage reduction, credit repair), sexually-oriented/pornographic content, shipping/forwarding brokers, substances mimicking illegal drugs, telemarketing, timeshares, tobacco products, weapons/ammunition, wire transfers/money orders, and eSIMs.", "body": "Gumroad's prohibited products list (revised Sept 2026) includes 56 categories of products not allowed on the platform, including age-restricted items, AI services, alcohol, bail bonds, bankruptcy lawyers, bidding fee auctions, billing services, cell phones, chain letters, cheats/hacks, check cashing, collection agencies, consulting firms, copyrighted media, counterfeit goods, credit card theft protection, cruise lines, cryptocurrency, deceptive marketing, door-to-door sales, drug paraphernalia, essay mills, extended warranties, flea markets, food products, fortune tellers (predictive services), gambling, government IDs, hacking materials, illegal products, jewelry/beauty products, mailing lists, marijuana dispensaries, money service businesses, money transmission, multi-level marketing, negative response marketing, rebates, pharmacies, pseudo-pharmaceuticals, quasi-cash, private label rights, security brokerage, services (get rich quick, business opportunities, investment opportunities, mortgage consulting, real estate purchases, mortgage reduction, credit repair), sexually-oriented/pornographic content, shipping/forwarding brokers, substances mimicking illegal drugs, telemarketing, timeshares, tobacco products, weapons/ammunition, wire transfers/money orders, and eSIMs.\n\nWhat Gumroad, Inc. actually says:\n\n“The following products and activities are not allowed on Gumroad. This is almost always because they violate U.S. federal law, they are prohibited by card network rules, or they are restricted by our payment processing partners. If you are unsure whether your content is prohibited on Gumroad, please contact us at support@gumroad.com with a description or example of the content.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://gumroad.com/prohibited", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Gumroad, Inc.", "evidence_quote": "The following products and activities are not allowed on Gumroad. This is almost always because they violate U.S. federal law, they are prohibited by card network rules, or they are restricted by our payment processing partners. If you are unsure whether your content is prohibited on Gumroad, please contact us at support@gumroad.com with a description or example of the content.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Gumroad", "topic": "Money.fees", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "gumroad", "topic": [ "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_paddle_aup_prohibited_categories", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle: Rules.content", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle's Acceptable Use Policy (last updated April 2026) lists 21 prohibited business categories and practices including physical products, human services unrelated to software, donations/crowdfunding/community access without bona fide software/service, copyright/trademark infringement, unauthorized data access (spyware, phone unlocking, keyloggers), non-Paddle marketplace sellers, advertising/marketing services (pyramid schemes, telemarketing, automated social media marketing), adult/age-restricted content, gambling, trading/financial services/advice, government services, certifications/exam prep, travel services, pseudo-science digital services, medical advice, content generation using likeness without consent, technical support for device repair/security, system health products, VPNs/proxies, captcha solving, and reseller products (Microsoft/Adobe).", "body": "Paddle's Acceptable Use Policy (last updated April 2026) lists 21 prohibited business categories and practices including physical products, human services unrelated to software, donations/crowdfunding/community access without bona fide software/service, copyright/trademark infringement, unauthorized data access (spyware, phone unlocking, keyloggers), non-Paddle marketplace sellers, advertising/marketing services (pyramid schemes, telemarketing, automated social media marketing), adult/age-restricted content, gambling, trading/financial services/advice, government services, certifications/exam prep, travel services, pseudo-science digital services, medical advice, content generation using likeness without consent, technical support for device repair/security, system health products, VPNs/proxies, captcha solving, and reseller products (Microsoft/Adobe).\n\nWhat Paddle actually says:\n\n“By creating an account and selling through Paddle, you are confirming that you will not be accepting payments with any connection to the following business categories and practices. A list of all business categories and practices that are forbidden from using the Paddle service can be found below. Many of these categories are imposed by Card Network rules or by our payment processors.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://paddle.com/support/aup/", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Paddle", "evidence_quote": "By creating an account and selling through Paddle, you are confirming that you will not be accepting payments with any connection to the following business categories and practices. A list of all business categories and practices that are forbidden from using the Paddle service can be found below. Many of these categories are imposed by Card Network rules or by our payment processors.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Paddle", "topic": "Rules.content", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "paddle", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_paddle_refund_policy", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle: Money.payout", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle's refund policy (MSA Clause 10.2) allows buyers to request a refund within 14 days of a one-off transaction or within 14 days from the last subscription renewal, and Paddle may grant refunds if the buyer requests it, the transaction was made in error or fraudulently, the transaction may become subject to chargeback, or refund is required by law or payment provider.", "body": "Paddle's refund policy (MSA Clause 10.2) allows buyers to request a refund within 14 days of a one-off transaction or within 14 days from the last subscription renewal, and Paddle may grant refunds if the buyer requests it, the transaction was made in error or fraudulently, the transaction may become subject to chargeback, or refund is required by law or payment provider.\n\nWhat Paddle actually says:\n\n“As the seller, Paddle shall be entitled to cancel a Transaction and grant the Buyer a refund of the full price paid if: (i) the Buyer requests a refund within fourteen (14) days of the date of a one-off Transaction or, in the case of a subscription service, within 14 days from the date on which the subscription was last renewed and Paddle determines, in its sole discretion, that a refund is appropriate; (ii) Paddle reasonably believes that the Transaction was made in error or fraudulently; (iii) Paddle reasonably believes the Transaction may become subject to a Chargeback; or (iv) required by any applicable law, regulation, payment method provider or Payment Scheme Rules.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://paddle.com/legal/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Paddle", "evidence_quote": "As the seller, Paddle shall be entitled to cancel a Transaction and grant the Buyer a refund of the full price paid if: (i) the Buyer requests a refund within fourteen (14) days of the date of a one-off Transaction or, in the case of a subscription service, within 14 days from the date on which the subscription was last renewed and Paddle determines, in its sole discretion, that a refund is appropriate; (ii) Paddle reasonably believes that the Transaction was made in error or fraudulently; (iii) Paddle reasonably believes the Transaction may become subject to a Chargeback; or (iv) required by any applicable law, regulation, payment method provider or Payment Scheme Rules.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Paddle", "topic": "Money.payout", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "paddle", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_paddle_chargeback_policy", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle: Money.fees", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle's chargeback policy (MSA Clause 10.3) allows Paddle to immediately suspend sale of Products, implement additional controls, terminate Services, and share business information with payment service providers, acquirers and Card Schemes if Products or Products as a whole have an excessive Chargeback or refund rate. If Paddle prevents a Chargeback or refunds a Buyer, Paddle is entitled to receive from the Supplier: (i) the full amount of the refund or Chargeback; (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by Paddle in processing; and (iii) in the case of a Chargeback or Pre-Chargeback Alert, a fee of up to 20 GBP, USD or EUR, or 40 AUD or CAD depending on Transaction Currency.", "body": "Paddle's chargeback policy (MSA Clause 10.3) allows Paddle to immediately suspend sale of Products, implement additional controls, terminate Services, and share business information with payment service providers, acquirers and Card Schemes if Products or Products as a whole have an excessive Chargeback or refund rate. If Paddle prevents a Chargeback or refunds a Buyer, Paddle is entitled to receive from the Supplier: (i) the full amount of the refund or Chargeback; (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by Paddle in processing; and (iii) in the case of a Chargeback or Pre-Chargeback Alert, a fee of up to 20 GBP, USD or EUR, or 40 AUD or CAD depending on Transaction Currency.\n\nWhat Paddle actually says:\n\n“If Paddle determines, in its sole discretion, that one or more of the Products, or the Products as a whole, have an excessive Chargeback or refund rate, Paddle shall be entitled to immediately: (i) suspend the sale of all or a portion of the Product(s) through one, multiple or all payment methods; (ii) implement additional content or controls to the Paddle Checkout and/or associated processes; (iii) terminate the Services with immediate effect in accordance with clause 16.3; and/or (iv) share information about your business and/or your accounts with its payment service providers, acquirers and the Card Schemes. If Paddle prevents a Chargeback or refunds a Buyer (including, but not limited to, as a result of a Chargeback or Pre-Chargeback Alert), Paddle is entitled to receive from you: (i) the full amount of the refund or Chargeback; (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by Paddle in processing the refund or Chargeback; and (iii) in the case of a Chargeback or Pre-Chargeback Alert, a fee of up to 20 GBP, USD or EUR, or 40 AUD or CAD depending on the Transaction Currency.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://paddle.com/legal/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Paddle", "evidence_quote": "If Paddle determines, in its sole discretion, that one or more of the Products, or the Products as a whole, have an excessive Chargeback or refund rate, Paddle shall be entitled to immediately: (i) suspend the sale of all or a portion of the Product(s) through one, multiple or all payment methods; (ii) implement additional content or controls to the Paddle Checkout and/or associated processes; (iii) terminate the Services with immediate effect in accordance with clause 16.3; and/or (iv) share information about your business and/or your accounts with its payment service providers, acquirers and the Card Schemes. If Paddle prevents a Chargeback or refunds a Buyer (including, but not limited to, as a result of a Chargeback or Pre-Chargeback Alert), Paddle is entitled to receive from you: (i) the full amount of the refund or Chargeback; (ii) any fees and expenses incurred by Paddle in processing the refund or Chargeback; and (iii) in the case of a Chargeback or Pre-Chargeback Alert, a fee of up to 20 GBP, USD or EUR, or 40 AUD or CAD depending on the Transaction Currency.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Paddle", "topic": "Money.fees", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "paddle", "topic": [ "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_paddle_account_termination", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle: Trouble", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle may suspend or terminate a Supplier's Account and retain fees if: significant fraud risk, intentional mislead/fraud, legal requirements, Product infringes third-party rights, insufficient funds to cover potential refunds/chargebacks, or material breach of Agreement (MSA Clause 8.4). Paddle may also decline, remove or halt sales of any Product, suspend or terminate an Account, and/or suspend or terminate the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, without cause or notice (MSA Clause 23.4).", "body": "Paddle may suspend or terminate a Supplier's Account and retain fees if: significant fraud risk, intentional mislead/fraud, legal requirements, Product infringes third-party rights, insufficient funds to cover potential refunds/chargebacks, or material breach of Agreement (MSA Clause 8.4). Paddle may also decline, remove or halt sales of any Product, suspend or terminate an Account, and/or suspend or terminate the Services at any time, in its sole discretion, without cause or notice (MSA Clause 23.4).\n\nWhat Paddle actually says:\n\n“Paddle is not obliged to pay any Supplier Fees associated with activities or Products which it considers in its sole discretion to be fraudulent, unlawful or illegal under any relevant law or regulation or which infringes upon the established rights of a third party. We may suspend your Supplier Account and retain any Supplier Fees, or terminate this Agreement, if: (i) we determine in our sole discretion that you are ineligible for the Services because of significant fraud risk, or any other risk of unlawful or illegal activity associated with your Supplier Account; (ii) we determine in our sole discretion that you have intentionally or wilfully taken any action which materially misleads or directly defrauds a Buyer or Paddle; (iii) any Law or Payment Scheme Rules requires us to do so; (iv) we determine in our sole discretion that the sale of the Product infringes upon the established rights of a third party; or (v) we are otherwise entitled to do so under this Agreement.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://paddle.com/legal/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Paddle", "evidence_quote": "Paddle is not obliged to pay any Supplier Fees associated with activities or Products which it considers in its sole discretion to be fraudulent, unlawful or illegal under any relevant law or regulation or which infringes upon the established rights of a third party. We may suspend your Supplier Account and retain any Supplier Fees, or terminate this Agreement, if: (i) we determine in our sole discretion that you are ineligible for the Services because of significant fraud risk, or any other risk of unlawful or illegal activity associated with your Supplier Account; (ii) we determine in our sole discretion that you have intentionally or wilfully taken any action which materially misleads or directly defrauds a Buyer or Paddle; (iii) any Law or Payment Scheme Rules requires us to do so; (iv) we determine in our sole discretion that the sale of the Product infringes upon the established rights of a third party; or (v) we are otherwise entitled to do so under this Agreement.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Paddle", "topic": "Trouble", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "paddle", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_etsy_transparency_prohibited_products", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Etsy: Rules.content", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Etsy's 2024 Transparency Report states that items with photographs or photo-realistic depictions of sex acts and genitalia are prohibited, as are some categories of adult toys and sexual accessories, and AI-generated content is included under policies for all listings.", "body": "Etsy's 2024 Transparency Report states that items with photographs or photo-realistic depictions of sex acts and genitalia are prohibited, as are some categories of adult toys and sexual accessories, and AI-generated content is included under policies for all listings.\n\nWhat Etsy actually says:\n\n“Items with photographs or photo-realistic depictions of sex acts and genitalia are prohibited. Some categories of adult toys and sexual accessories are prohibited. AI-generated content is included under policies for all listings.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://investors.etsy.com/_assets/_dce7b358ce055d486ce5e99bfbed7eca/etsy/db/1016/9831/pdf/2024_Transparency_Report_Digital.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Etsy", "evidence_quote": "Items with photographs or photo-realistic depictions of sex acts and genitalia are prohibited. Some categories of adult toys and sexual accessories are prohibited. AI-generated content is included under policies for all listings.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Etsy", "topic": "Rules.content", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "etsy", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "failed", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "hollow_body", "strong_label_on_weak_content" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_etsy_transparency_refund_chargeback", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Etsy: Money.payout", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Etsy's 2024 Transparency Report states that Etsy Purchase Protection covers up to $250 of a refund, and any remaining amount will be charged to the seller, and by agreeing to store a card on file, sellers authorize Etsy to charge the stored card for amounts owed including refunds, reimbursements, chargebacks.", "body": "Etsy's 2024 Transparency Report states that Etsy Purchase Protection covers up to $250 of a refund, and any remaining amount will be charged to the seller, and by agreeing to store a card on file, sellers authorize Etsy to charge the stored card for amounts owed including refunds, reimbursements, chargebacks.\n\nWhat Etsy actually says:\n\n“Etsy Purchase Protection covers up to $250 of a refund, and any remaining amount will be charged to the seller. By agreeing to store a card on file, sellers authorize Etsy to charge the stored card for amounts owed including refunds, reimbursements, chargebacks.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://investors.etsy.com/_assets/_dce7b358ce055d486ce5e99bfbed7eca/etsy/db/1016/9831/pdf/2024_Transparency_Report_Digital.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Etsy", "evidence_quote": "Etsy Purchase Protection covers up to $250 of a refund, and any remaining amount will be charged to the seller. By agreeing to store a card on file, sellers authorize Etsy to charge the stored card for amounts owed including refunds, reimbursements, chargebacks.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Etsy", "topic": "Money.payout", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "etsy", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "failed", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "hollow_body", "strong_label_on_weak_content" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_etsy_transparency_account_termination", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Etsy: Trouble", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Etsy's 2024 Transparency Report states that 26,754 shops were closed for repeat infringement and/or counterfeiting violations, and sellers typically have about five calendar days to send supporting evidence when a buyer files a chargeback.", "body": "Etsy's 2024 Transparency Report states that 26,754 shops were closed for repeat infringement and/or counterfeiting violations, and sellers typically have about five calendar days to send supporting evidence when a buyer files a chargeback.\n\nWhat Etsy actually says:\n\n“We closed 26,754 shops for repeat infringement and/or counterfeiting violations. When a buyer files a chargeback, Etsy responds to the card network on your behalf. Sellers typically have about five calendar days to send supporting evidence.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://investors.etsy.com/_assets/_dce7b358ce055d486ce5e99bfbed7eca/etsy/db/1016/9831/pdf/2024_Transparency_Report_Digital.pdf", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Etsy", "evidence_quote": "We closed 26,754 shops for repeat infringement and/or counterfeiting violations. When a buyer files a chargeback, Etsy responds to the card network on your behalf. Sellers typically have about five calendar days to send supporting evidence.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Etsy", "topic": "Trouble", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "running", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "etsy", "topic": [ "unclassified" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "failed", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "hollow_body", "strong_label_on_weak_content" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_teachable_prohibited_products", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Teachable: Rules.content", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Teachable's Content Guidelines prohibit regulated and illegal products including drugs, weapons, alcohol, currencies (e.g. crypto), and unrealistic/outrageous promises (miracle cures, courses promising overnight wealth). Content offering or selling products regulated in any state is prohibited.", "body": "Teachable's Content Guidelines prohibit regulated and illegal products including drugs, weapons, alcohol, currencies (e.g. crypto), and unrealistic/outrageous promises (miracle cures, courses promising overnight wealth). Content offering or selling products regulated in any state is prohibited.\n\nWhat Teachable actually says:\n\n“Regulated and illegal products... Content that offers or sells products that are regulated in any state is prohibited. By regulated product, we mean any item that can only be bought under certain conditions (including but not limited to medical, age, etc.). Examples: Drugs, Weapons, Alcohol, Currencies (e.g. Crypto).”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://teachable.com/content-guidelines", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Teachable", "evidence_quote": "Regulated and illegal products... Content that offers or sells products that are regulated in any state is prohibited. By regulated product, we mean any item that can only be bought under certain conditions (including but not limited to medical, age, etc.). Examples: Drugs, Weapons, Alcohol, Currencies (e.g. Crypto).", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Teachable", "topic": "Rules.content", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "teachable", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_teachable_refund_policy", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Teachable: Money.payout", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Teachable's House Rules state that if selling through Teachable Payments or the Monthly Payment Gateway, the standard 14-day refund policy automatically applies to sales unless an exemption is obtained from Teachable, and not delivering on promises can result in customer complaints, refund requests, chargebacks, and account termination including withholding payouts.", "body": "Teachable's House Rules state that if selling through Teachable Payments or the Monthly Payment Gateway, the standard 14-day refund policy automatically applies to sales unless an exemption is obtained from Teachable, and not delivering on promises can result in customer complaints, refund requests, chargebacks, and account termination including withholding payouts.\n\nWhat Teachable actually says:\n\n“As a creator, if you're selling a course through Teachable Payments or the Monthly Payment Gateway, Teachable's standard 14-day refund policy will automatically apply to your sale unless you get an exemption from Teachable. Not delivering on the promises you've made can result in customer complaints, refund requests, and chargebacks. Teachable may also take further action including withholding payouts, blocking your checkout page, and terminating your account.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://teachable.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Teachable", "evidence_quote": "As a creator, if you're selling a course through Teachable Payments or the Monthly Payment Gateway, Teachable's standard 14-day refund policy will automatically apply to your sale unless you get an exemption from Teachable. Not delivering on the promises you've made can result in customer complaints, refund requests, and chargebacks. Teachable may also take further action including withholding payouts, blocking your checkout page, and terminating your account.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Teachable", "topic": "Money.payout", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "teachable", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_podia_prohibited_products", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia: Rules.content", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia's Acceptable Use Policy prohibits illegal content, stolen content, content that exploits children, and pornography/explicit content defined as any real, fictional, or simulated depictions of sexual acts created to provide sexual gratification to the viewer.", "body": "Podia's Acceptable Use Policy prohibits illegal content, stolen content, content that exploits children, and pornography/explicit content defined as any real, fictional, or simulated depictions of sexual acts created to provide sexual gratification to the viewer.\n\nWhat Podia actually says:\n\n“Content that is restricted includes: Illegal content. You may not host or sell any content that is disallowed by the laws of the jurisdictions in which you operate or do business, or which promotes illegal activity. Stolen content. You may not host or sell any content that infringes on the copyright or trademarks of others. Content that exploits children. You may not host or sell any content that exploits or abuses children... Pornography and explicit content. You may not host or sell any content that falls under the category of pornography. We define pornography as any real, fictional, or simulated depictions of sexual acts that are created to provide sexual gratification to the viewer.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://podia.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Podia", "evidence_quote": "Content that is restricted includes: Illegal content. You may not host or sell any content that is disallowed by the laws of the jurisdictions in which you operate or do business, or which promotes illegal activity. Stolen content. You may not host or sell any content that infringes on the copyright or trademarks of others. Content that exploits children. You may not host or sell any content that exploits or abuses children... Pornography and explicit content. You may not host or sell any content that falls under the category of pornography. We define pornography as any real, fictional, or simulated depictions of sexual acts that are created to provide sexual gratification to the viewer.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Podia", "topic": "Rules.content", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "podia", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_podia_refund_policy", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia: Money.payout", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Podia's Terms of Service state that if you sign up for a paid plan and would like a refund, you must contact within 72 hours after your monthly (or annual) renewal or upgrade, and Podia will refund the most recent payment; refunds are not pro-rated and only available within 72 hours of the last charge.", "body": "Podia's Terms of Service state that if you sign up for a paid plan and would like a refund, you must contact within 72 hours after your monthly (or annual) renewal or upgrade, and Podia will refund the most recent payment; refunds are not pro-rated and only available within 72 hours of the last charge.\n\nWhat Podia actually says:\n\n“If you sign up for a paid plan and would like a refund, please contact us within 72 hours after your monthly (or annual) renewal or upgrade, and we'll be happy to refund the most recent payment. Please note: We do not provide pro-rated refunds for monthly or annual payments, and refunds are only available if requested within 72 hours of the last charge.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://podia.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Podia", "evidence_quote": "If you sign up for a paid plan and would like a refund, please contact us within 72 hours after your monthly (or annual) renewal or upgrade, and we'll be happy to refund the most recent payment. Please note: We do not provide pro-rated refunds for monthly or annual payments, and refunds are only available if requested within 72 hours of the last charge.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Podia", "topic": "Money.payout", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "podia", "topic": [ "money.payout" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_ko_fi_prohibited_products", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ko-fi: Rules.content", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ko-fi's Terms of Content Guidelines prohibit sale of other sexually explicit material including physical items (e.g. sex toys), drug paraphernalia or alcohol, gambling-related activities (raffles, lotteries, giveaways, games of chance where a fee is paid and winners selected at random), and content that directly infringes or facilitates infringement upon trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets, or proprietary or privacy rights of any third party.", "body": "Ko-fi's Terms of Content Guidelines prohibit sale of other sexually explicit material including physical items (e.g. sex toys), drug paraphernalia or alcohol, gambling-related activities (raffles, lotteries, giveaways, games of chance where a fee is paid and winners selected at random), and content that directly infringes or facilitates infringement upon trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets, or proprietary or privacy rights of any third party.\n\nWhat Ko-fi actually says:\n\n“other sexually explicit material, including physical items (e.g. sex toys, etc.) ... the sale or purchase of drug paraphernalia or alcohol on Ko-fi ... Gambling-related activities including raffles, lotteries, giveaways or games of chance where a fee is paid to enter and winners are selected at random ... Products or services that directly infringe or facilitate infringement upon the trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets, or proprietary or privacy rights of any third party.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://more.ko-fi.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ko-fi", "evidence_quote": "other sexually explicit material, including physical items (e.g. sex toys, etc.) ... the sale or purchase of drug paraphernalia or alcohol on Ko-fi ... Gambling-related activities including raffles, lotteries, giveaways or games of chance where a fee is paid to enter and winners are selected at random ... Products or services that directly infringe or facilitate infringement upon the trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets, or proprietary or privacy rights of any third party.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Ko-fi", "topic": "Rules.content", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "kofi", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_ko_fi_refund_policy", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Ko-fi: Money.fees", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Ko-fi's Terms of Service state that Ko-fi is not a payment provider and is not responsible for pricing, payment, delivery, refunds, chargebacks or disputes; all transactions including Tips are between the Creator and Supporter, and Ko-fi doesn't handle payment, delivery or refunds or get involved in disputes between Creators and Supporters.", "body": "Ko-fi's Terms of Service state that Ko-fi is not a payment provider and is not responsible for pricing, payment, delivery, refunds, chargebacks or disputes; all transactions including Tips are between the Creator and Supporter, and Ko-fi doesn't handle payment, delivery or refunds or get involved in disputes between Creators and Supporters.\n\nWhat Ko-fi actually says:\n\n“We are not a payment provider. Payments are made directly from Supporters to Creators externally to Ko-fi using a third-party payment provider (e.g. PayPal, Inc., and Stripe, Inc.). We are not responsible for pricing, payment, delivery, refunds, chargebacks or disputes. If you have a question, issue, or dispute about something a Creator offers, please contact them directly. All transactions, including Tips, are between the Creator and Supporter - we don't handle payment, delivery or refunds or get involved in any disputes between Creators and Supporters.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://more.ko-fi.com/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "VERIFIED RULE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Ko-fi", "evidence_quote": "We are not a payment provider. Payments are made directly from Supporters to Creators externally to Ko-fi using a third-party payment provider (e.g. PayPal, Inc., and Stripe, Inc.). We are not responsible for pricing, payment, delivery, refunds, chargebacks or disputes. If you have a question, issue, or dispute about something a Creator offers, please contact them directly. All transactions, including Tips, are between the Creator and Supporter - we don't handle payment, delivery or refunds or get involved in any disputes between Creators and Supporters.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Ko-fi", "topic": "Money.fees", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "kofi", "topic": [ "money.fees" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_stan_store_prohibited_products", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Stan Store: Rules.content", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] Stan Store's Terms of Service prohibit adult content and services including literature, imagery and AI-generated content; unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, pornographic content; and content exposing Stan or its users to harm or liability.", "body": "Stan Store's Terms of Service prohibit adult content and services including literature, imagery and AI-generated content; unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, pornographic content; and content exposing Stan or its users to harm or liability.\n\nWhat Stan Store actually says:\n\n“Adult content and services: literature, imagery, and artificial-intelligence-generated content is explicitly prohibited. Any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, pornographic content. Content that exposes Stan or its users to any harm or liability.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.stan.store/terms", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "Stan Store", "evidence_quote": "Adult content and services: literature, imagery, and artificial-intelligence-generated content is explicitly prohibited. Any content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, tortious, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, pornographic content. Content that exposes Stan or its users to any harm or liability.", "volatility": "medium", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Stan Store", "topic": "Rules.content", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "setting_up", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "stanstore", "topic": [ "rules.content" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "thin_body", "source_unverifiable:fetch_failed:budget" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } }, { "id": "learn_r980_digital_products_risks_ftc_paddle_enforcement", "category": "Safety", "title": "[Unverified - being checked] Paddle: Safety.legal", "summary": "[Unverified - being checked] The FTC filed a complaint against Paddle.com Market Limited (2025-06-20) alleging violations of the FTC Act, Telemarketing Sales Rule, and Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act; Paddle operated MOR model without proper card network registration, failed material due diligence/monitoring on clients, ignored consumer/complaints from networks/acquirers, and failed to redress high chargeback/dispute levels; settlement included $5 million fine, permanent ban from tech-support telemarketer payment processing, enhanced screening/monitoring of high-risk/high-chargeback/high-volume clients, compliance reports to FTC, and maintenance of records.", "body": "The FTC filed a complaint against Paddle.com Market Limited (2025-06-20) alleging violations of the FTC Act, Telemarketing Sales Rule, and Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act; Paddle operated MOR model without proper card network registration, failed material due diligence/monitoring on clients, ignored consumer/complaints from networks/acquirers, and failed to redress high chargeback/dispute levels; settlement included $5 million fine, permanent ban from tech-support telemarketer payment processing, enhanced screening/monitoring of high-risk/high-chargeback/high-volume clients, compliance reports to FTC, and maintenance of records.\n\nWhat FTC actually says:\n\n“The FTC alleges that Paddle.com Market Limited violated the FTC Act, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act. Specifically, the FTC alleges that Paddle operated a Merchant of Record model without proper card network registration, failed to conduct material due diligence and monitoring on its clients, ignored consumer and complaints from card networks and acquirers, and failed to redress high chargeback and dispute levels.”", "source_type": "official", "source_link": "https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/06/ftc-takes-action-paddle-payments-compliance-consumer-laws", "last_verified": "2026-10-12", "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE", "source_tier": "A", "source_publisher": "FTC", "evidence_quote": "The FTC alleges that Paddle.com Market Limited violated the FTC Act, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act. Specifically, the FTC alleges that Paddle operated a Merchant of Record model without proper card network registration, failed to conduct material due diligence and monitoring on its clients, ignored consumer and complaints from card networks and acquirers, and failed to redress high chargeback and dispute levels.", "volatility": "high", "from_batch": "980-digital-products-risks", "subject": "Paddle", "topic": "Safety.legal", "tags": { "lane": "any", "stage": "trouble", "region": [ "us" ], "platform": "paddle", "topic": [ "safety.legal" ], "explicitness": "any" }, "verification": { "status": "unverified", "label": "Unverified - being checked", "reasons": [ "legal_fetch_over_cap" ], "checked_utc": "20261021-123916Z" } } ] }