Facebook Messenger Is Censoring Some Porn Sites, Report Says

LOS ANGELES — Facebook Messenger, the new mobile app, censors some porn sites, according to a blog post on Reason.com today.

Reason claims that it was tipped off by a Cleveland man's Facebook post that said he couldn't share porn links on the new service, which, since its roll out this week, has caused a wrinkle among users regarding concern for their privacy settings.

Reason, in the post, came up with a list of porn sites that it found were blocked using Facebook Messenger. Those banned websites included Brazzers.com, HardSexTube.com, ImageFap.com, Porn.com, RedTube.com, Spankwire.com, XHamster.com, PornHub.com, XNXX.com and YouPorn.com.

But Reason also said that some websites, including YouJizz.com and EmpFlix.com, were still linkable.

The Cleveland man, Reason noted, explained on Facebook that he wasn't even trying to transmit porn via a link. Rather, he said, he employed a link of "a totally safe-for-work six-minute video of someone playing drums" that was uploaded to XVideos.com, one of the top adult tube sites.

"Facebook communication interception appears to be inconsistent," the Reason post said. "A lot of mature-content pages do make it past the block, but many others don't. Reason reached out to Facebook several times for an explanation of its security and pornography policies, and why XVideos gets flagged but other popular sites like PornHub.com, Gallery-of-Nudes.com, and Porn-Star.com do not."

XBIZ also reached out to Facebook over Reason's allegations but the social network has yet to reply.

The new Facebook Messenger for mobile devices has caused some outrage, beyond the porn issue, among users regarding concern for their privacy settings.

If you use Facebook on your mobile device, you probably received a notice this week alerting you to download a new app to direct message your friends.

After users download the app, Facebook's terms and conditions states that they will be giving the app permission to read your phone contacts, access your exact location with your phone's GPS, read and edit your text messages, take pictures and videos and record audio.

Facebook has published a “Get the Facts” post to disclose why it needs these permissions. The social network explained that nearly all applications on mobile devices seek user consent to run various features in the app.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Pineapple Support to Launch 'Wellbeing by PS' Initiative

Pineapple Support has announced its Wellbeing by PS initiative, naming new team member Amber Madden to head the project.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

Show More