MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Blogger users won’t be able to publicly share images and videos that are sexually explicit starting next month, Google said today.
Google notified Blogger users today that they have until March 23 to delete sexually explicit pictures or those that show graphic nudity. Google blogs have “blogger” or “blogspot” in the URLs.
Google gave no explanation for the new content policy.
The search giant said it won’t delete existing blogs that haven’t been purged of explicit content by March 23 but warned it will set them to “private.” Google also said that blogs not set to “private” and end up violating the new policy will be removed.
Google also said it will still allow nudity if the content offers a substantial public benefit — for example in artistic, educational, documentary or scientific contexts.
Google gave an option for those who opt to take down their blog and use elsewhere.
“If you’d rather take your blog down altogether, you can export your blog as a .xml file or archive your blog's text and images using Google Takeout,” Google said.
Prior to today, Google allowed adult content, “including images or videos that contain nudity or sexual activity.”
"Censoring this content is contrary to a service that bases itself on freedom of expression,” its old policy said.
Last year, Google banned adult entertainment-oriented advertising from its AdWords program.
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