In response to investor pressure and criticism over its previous involvement in a global network that censored conservative speech through GARM, Mastercard announced that it will soon release a policy stating that third-party opinions will no longer affect its branding and marketing decisions. This move comes after discussions with Alliance Defending Freedom and marks a departure from practices that once aligned the company with externally influenced censorship strategies.

An OpenSecrets profile reveals that Mastercard contributed $796,349 and spent $5,210,000 on lobbying in the 2024 election cycle, with key data points released in early 2025. This event underscores the company's significant involvement in political finance.

Mastercard agreed to pay $26 million to settle a longstanding discrimination lawsuit alleging that the company underpaid roughly 7,500 female, Black, and Hispanic employees since 2016. As part of the settlement, Mastercard did not admit wrongdoing but agreed to annual pay equity audits and to hire a psychologist to review workplace bias.

A recent article reports that Mastercard, along with Visa, has spent millions to oppose legislative efforts embodied in the Credit Card Competition Act, which aimed to reduce swipe fees and foster competition in the credit card market. This political maneuver is seen as an effort to maintain the current duopoly and protect exorbitant fee practices affecting merchants and consumers.

Mastercard has published a detailed statement outlining its comprehensive measures to address modern slavery and human trafficking risks in its operations and supply chains. The statement emphasizes robust employee protection, supplier due diligence, training programs, and contractual obligations designed to enforce ethical standards and prevent forced labor.

Mastercard published its detailed Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement outlining comprehensive policies to combat modern slavery in its operations and across its supply chain. The document highlights due diligence efforts, a strict Supplier Code of Conduct, mandatory employee training, and grievance procedures that underscore the company's commitment to human rights and ethical labor practices.

An activist group, SumOfUs, has launched a petition campaign demanding that Mastercard, along with Visa and PayPal, block funds that could be facilitating extremist and white supremacist activities. Critics claim that by allowing such transactions, Mastercard indirectly profits from hate-based funding.

An ACLU report criticizes Mastercard for enforcing vague and ambiguous policy requirements that have led to censorship, adversely affecting sex workers and other marginalized communities. The report argues that these policies hinder access to financial services for legally operating adult work and contribute to systemic discrimination.

At its upcoming annual shareholder meeting on June 25, a liberal activist group backed by SumOfUs is set to hold a vote aiming to create a human rights committee tasked with halting payments to far-right extremist groups. Mastercard, however, has dismissed the need for such a committee, effectively signaling its reluctance to change its payment practices despite concerns that continuing such payments may legitimize extremist ideologies.