hq 2 posts

I thought I would find out myself what Visa's official position on AllofMp3 is so I sent an email to their corporate department:
I recently attempted to top up an account using my Visa card at a website called allofmp3.com and I discovered that Visa have banned payments to this merchant.
I have spoken to my bank and they said that it is not something they have asked Visa to do.
What I don't understand - and would be grateful for clarification on - is why Visa have taken such an action? Allofmp3.com is not illegal. I am aware that there are some disputes with some copyright owners but this is not universal.
I didn't think that Visa unilaterally banned payments to merchants yet if it is not my bank (confirmed) , then why have Visa done this?

This was how Visa replied:
Visa can confirm that Visa members... read more

So, after much posturing in the US media, we in the West can no longer pay for music here with Visa and (in most countries) Mastercard.
Somebody help me out here. Why?
I have one of each card. In my terms and conditions with each, there is nothing that specifically says that I cannot spend my money how I like. Apart, of course, on anything illegal or criminal. And there's the rub. Allofmp3.com has not been proved to be either. Sure, the RIAA in the US say they're going to sue AOM3 for a trillion bucks but where's the lawsuit? The BPI in the UK say they're going to sue too. So, where's their lawsuit?
What happened to the international premise of justice: innocent until proven guilty? If there was such a strong legal case, why hasn't it materialised? All we've had so far is much huffing and puffing threatening to blow this house down but nothing else. Instead, what... read more