Google Backs Down Blogger Porn Rule Change

Critics of the new rules had argued that explicit content is an expression of identity.Google has changed its mind about forcing sexually explicit blogs on its Blogger platform to become private.

Earlier this week, the firm warned bloggers that blogs containing sexually explicit images and videos would be made private on 23 March.

After "a ton of feedback" the firm has decided to continue with its current policy instead, it says.

Explicit blogs must continue to identify themselves as "adult".

This means a warning page is shown before readers are transferred to the site.

Google also reserves the right to add an "adult" tag to Blogger blogs if it feels the description is appropriate.

The "acceptable use" policy link currently redirects users to a posted message which reads:

"We've had a ton of feedback, in particular about the introduction of a retroactive change (some people have had accounts for 10+ years), but also about the negative impact on individuals who post sexually explicit content to express their identities.

"So rather than implement this change, we've decided to step up enforcement around our existing policy prohibiting commercial porn."

As long as bloggers have correctly identified their adult blogs they need take no further action, the message adds.

Google had originally proposed forcing existing explicit blogs to go private from next month, and said it would potentially take down blogs created after its 23 March deadline.