Porn Not Welcome on Oculus Rift

LOS ANGELES — As Virtual Reality technology inches closer to a mass-market release, there is continuing confusion over whether or not porn will play a part in it all.

While recent polling by XBIZ Research reveals the majority of porn professionals (54 percent) believe that virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift will revolutionize adult entertainment, corporate policy makers seem determined to impose a PG-rated future on this groundbreaking technology.

This stance is hampering the hopes of those who envisioned (and wanted to profit from) a future oozing with virtual sex — and could stunt the growth of these new devices in the consumer market.

The porn potential of Oculus Rift in particular has been much ballyhooed with developer Palmer Luckey declaring that there would be no censorship of the content the device would be capable of viewing.

“The Rift is an open platform. We don’t control what software can run on it, and that’s a big deal,” Luckey stated, bringing hope to porn purveyors, but his say in that decision was removed when he sold the company to Facebook — a firm notorious for its prudish policies — and indeed, the company’s most recent pronouncement on the subject leaves little room for optimism.

“Oculus only distributes developer content that meets their terms of service, which forbid pornographic content from being a part of the Oculus Store,” explained a company spokesperson this past Friday — referring to how its devices would rely on an official media distribution platform. This will operate in a similar way to how Apple restricts the content that users of its popular iPhone and iPad devices access through its own App Store, which also prohibits adult oriented fare.

Although iPhone and iPad users can access adult websites through the device’s web browser, profitable apps are off limits. While some folks will opine that “jailbreaking” the device (a process by which safety controls are removed) will allow access to apps from unofficial sources, few users know how, or will risk the potential damage and exposure to malware that can result from this frowned-upon practice, which may also void the device’s warranty.

Android users on the other hand find themselves in a better position because of its open source nature, which in addition to allowing app downloads from the official Google Play store, enables access to third-party platforms, such as the popular MiKandi app store. 

It is important to note that there are other VR options beyond Oculus Rift, such as Samsung’s Gear VR — but as this device relies on Oculus technology, it may also face the same content restrictions.

The one certainty at this point is that where there is a will, there is a way — and the porn industry has proven to be both persistent and resilient when it comes to satisfying the massive consumer demand for its wares, even when opposed by prudish censors.

While porn consumption might not be a welcome use by device manufacturers, it is likely that VR porn will soon be widely, if not officially, available.

Related:  

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

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More