Google bans ‘graphic nudity’ from Blogger

Google has added a new policy that outlaws sexually explicit content to its blogging platform Blogger. The announcement was posted to its website Tuesday.

Blogs that are created after March 23 and contain “sexually explicit” videos and images or “show graphic nudity” will be deleted. Blogs that currently obtain such content will not be deleted, but they will be set to private. The only people who will be able to visit those blogs will be individual browsers who are explicitly given permission. Anyone who is currently posting adult content has been advised to take it down or set their blog to private on his or her own.

Although Google has banned nudity, it will still allow nudity that offers a “substantial public benefit.” Content in “artistic, educational, documentary, or scientific contexts” will be allowed.

Google’s terms states that Google reserves the right to tag the site as “adult” if it has sexually explicit material. This means that a warning page will appear prior to accessing the blog. Google has this right even if the blogger disagrees.

If users are unhappy with the new terms, they have the option of switching to a different platform. Users have the ability to export their blogs as an .xml or archive images and texts using Google Takeout.

Google has been cracking down on adult ads on Blogger since 2013. Blogger prohibits starting a blog on their platform to make money from adult content, according to PC Magazine.

Critics have said that Google’s move is unnecessary, and argued that it is violating free speech and pointed out that porn is not illegal, according to BBC News.

Google is not the only company who has cracked down on sexual content. Facebook already removes sexual material, and Apple does not allow adult content in its App Store. Additionally, Tumblr has started covering up tags with adult content and Vine has banned sexually explicit content.

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