LOS ANGELES — In response to Google’s recent decision to ban advertising of adult-oriented websites through its AdWords advertising platform, Alec Helmy, president and publisher of adult industry trade publication XBIZ, has written an open letter to Google urging the tech giant to reconsider its position.
As of last Monday, Google prohibits any promotion of most sexually themed sites.
In notifying businesses potentially affected by the policy change, Google said in an email, “Beginning in the coming weeks, we'll no longer accept ads that promote graphic depictions of sexual acts including, but not limited to, hardcore pornography; graphic sexual acts including sex acts such as masturbation; genital, anal, and oral sexual activity.
“When we make this change, Google will disapprove all ads and sites that are identified as being in violation of our revised policy.”
Helmy notes that a national organization that publicly opposes porn, already has taken credit for Google’s decision.
His letter follows:
Dear Google,
I’m writing in response to your recent decision to no longer accept ads from adult-oriented websites. Not surprisingly, an organization founded on imposing its idea of morality on lawful material has taken credit for your decision.
You see, while the adult industry will always fight a certain stigma perpetuated by the extreme right, it’s never been more responsible in the way it creates and delivers entertainment. This is an industry that not only provides one of the most popular forms of online entertainment, but also one which complies with applicable laws and contributes millions in taxes – if the government accepts adult industry money, so can/should you.
As the publisher of business news for the adult industry, I have the privilege of being at the hub of information pertaining to industry matters. And based on this, I can tell you that your decision has left countless businesses in dismay, bewildered about why an ultra-progressive company that is so committed to ‘Freedom of Expression’ would make such a decision. These same companies also remain concerned about what the future may hold – specifically, whether you will also decide to place adult-oriented websites at a decided disadvantage in organic search results.
On behalf of the adult industry, I ask that you reflect upon your founding philosophies and to not waiver from them.
Alec Helmy
President & Publisher
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