I meant to come back to this sooner.
I did in fact phone circle.com in their London office again to clarify what information exactly was shown to another Circle user (even though I had tested the system myself by opening an account in my name and another in my hubby's, I then sent some money from my account to his and ticked the option to show only an email address to other Circle users, when I sent him the money that was all that showed both ends, all I seen was his email address and his mine). When I spoke to them the 2nd time (in fact both times) I was re-assured that what was shown was whatever option I had chosen.
However because of what was written here (after my 1st phone call to them) I then rang them (a 2nd time) and thanked him for his re-assurance but explained this is on their website's T&C's:
"Privacy Policy:
Your Identity & Photo. In order for other Circle users to transact with you (sending money, receiving money, requesting money, etc.) they will be able to see your full legal name. "
I also emailed them a link to it and also a screen grab, (which they asked for). However I see they have NOT updated their terminology re this via their site and I spoke to them a couple of months ago or so.
So to recap, despite what is written above (& remains on their website as of today's date) your LEGAL name is NOT revealed to anyone, only circle.com (unless you choose to of course) ----- So basically the above is inaccurate/out of date information.
If anyone is concerned, then I suggest you do what I did, try it for yourself. The App is free to download so doesnt cost you anything. I opened an account on my phone in my name and did the same for my hubby on his phone, I then transferred a nominal amount to his account, neither of us could see each other's real names (just an email address).
Also that User Agreement shows it was last updated 21 March this year.
SS you say you may broken their rules by using an inappropriate image of your Avatar, that 'rule' has been there some time (as I read it before March as well). Perhaps just phone them and enquire, the number on their website is 01793 250273 (9 to 5 hrs UK time I think). I found them friendly & approachable, if it is to do with your Avatar pic they may have just suspended your account (even though they say you can longer use their service) if they realize it was a mis-understanding on your part they may re-instate your account and even if they don't at least you will find out why! But if it is something like the Av pic then you may just get a gentle slap on the wrist and told not to do it again.
I must admit I try to remain as low-key as possible so I don't even bother with any type of Avatar, even of my cat!
Boleyn Models daily pay people use them to pay webcam/phone chat performers so I don't understand how they cannot be adult friendly.
Below are 16 & 17 Restrictions you referred to, in case any one else wants to see them. (Oh I notice that their email to you states 17 & 18... yet 18 relates to Bitcoin?! -- am assuming they mean 16 & 17 so I've put that below, anyone who wants to read it directly from their site, just has to google "circle.com user agreement").
16. Restricted Activities
In connection with your use of Services, you hereby agree that you will not:
violate (or assist any other party in violating) any applicable law, statute, ordinance, or regulation;
intentionally try to defraud (or assist in the defrauding of) Circle or other Circle users;
provide false, inaccurate, or misleading information;
take any action that interferes with, intercepts, or expropriates any system, data, or information;
partake in any transaction involving the proceeds of illegal activity;
transmit or upload any virus, worm, or other malicious software or program;
attempt to gain unauthorised access to other Circle accounts, the Circle website, or any related networks or systems;
use the Services on behalf of any third party or otherwise act as an intermediary between Circle and any third parties;
collect any user information from other Circle users, including, without limitation, email addresses;
defame, harass, or violate the privacy or intellectual property rights of Circle or any other Circle users; or
upload, display or transmit any messages, photos, videos or other media that contain illegal goods, pornographic, violent, obscene or copyrighted images or materials for use as an avatar, in connection with a payment or payment request, or otherwise.
17. Prohibited Payments
Using the Services to make the following types of payments is prohibited, and Circle reserves the right to monitor for payments that relate to:
any Restricted Persons or persons or entities located in Restricted Territories (as each term is defined in Section 30);
weapons of any kind, including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, knives, or related accessories;
controlled substances including but not limited to narcotics, prescription drugs, steroids, or related paraphernalia or accessories;
gambling activities including but not limited to sports betting, casino games, horse racing, dog racing, lotteries, games of chance, sweepstakes, games of skill that may be classified as gambling (i.e. poker), or other activities that facilitate any of the foregoing;
We understand that gambling may be legal in your jurisdiction, but unfortunately we cannot allow you to use Circle in connection with these activities.
constitute financial crime, money-laundering or terrorist financing;
any sort of Ponzi scheme, pyramid scheme, or multi-level marketing program;
goods or services that infringe or violate any copyright, trademark, or proprietary rights under the laws of any jurisdiction or otherwise constitute counterfeit goods;
debt settlement, refinance, or credit repair services;
court ordered payments, structured settlements, tax payments, or tax settlements;
the sale of money orders or cashier?s checks or any money transmitter activity;
Using Circle to send ?20 to one friend on behalf of another friend is okay, but if you are frequently accepting funds from people to send on their behalf, you might be violating money transmission laws - so we can?t allow that.
lottery contracts, layaway systems, or annuities;
counterfeit goods, including but not limited to fake or ?novelty? IDs;
purchasing goods from Tor hidden service markets or ?Darknet? markets, or any other service or website that acts as a marketplace for illegal goods (even though such marketplace might also sell legal goods); or
any other matters which we communicate to you that are unacceptable from time to time and which, for example, may be restricted by our and your payment partners.
In the event that Circle learns that you are making any such prohibited payments, Circle may suspend or terminate your Circle Account.