Paypal got into trouble with customers because of a new misinformation policy that it implemented and immediately revoked.
The payments company’s new fine print policy said it would fine users $2,500 for misinformation starting Nov. 3.
On Monday, PayPal backtracked, saying the earlier policy was “sent in error.”
The California-based company said the new update “contained incorrect information” and sparked intense backlash on social media over the weekend.
“PayPal does not fine people for misinformation, and this language was never intended to be included in our policies. We apologize for the confusion this has caused,” a company spokesperson said.
Last week, PayPal published a policy update that prohibits customers from using its services for what it identified as “sending, posting or publishing any message, content or material” promoting misinformation.
That didn’t sit well with right-wing voices who fear tech companies are targeting them for their political views.
PayPal quickly apologized for the “confusion” after the hashtag #PayPalCancelled started trending on Twitter.
The policy has drawn criticism from a number of prominent figures, including former company president David Marcus.
“A private company can now decide to take your money if you say something they don’t agree with. Madness.’ Marcus tweeted.
Elon Musk, the Tesla billionaire who co-founded PayPal, tweeted “I agree” in response to Marcus’ tweet.