Tumblr has announced that it wil no longer allow pornographic or adult content on its platform. The move come shortly after Tumblr’s app was ousted from the App Store after images depicting child sexual abuse appeared on the platform.
Tumblr has promised that starting December 17, it would not allow explicit content on its platform. Such content includes ‘photos, GIFs, or videos that show real-life human genitals or female presenting nipples and any content — including photos, videos, GIFs, and illustrations — that depicts sex acts”, said Tumblr.
The company also stated that all blog owners will be notified of the new guidelines so they’re ready to implement changes before deadline. Tumblr says it’ll be using automated tools to identify pornographic content, and users can export their content if it’s impacted by the new guidelines.
Tumblr became notoriuosly infamous for sharing adult content on its platform. The platform was banned in Indonesia in 2016 for sharing pornographic content. However, the company’s CEO now assures it’s aiming for a clean future.
“There are no shortage of sites on the internet that feature adult content. We will leave it to them and focus our efforts on creating the most welcoming environment possible for our community,” said Jeff D’Onofrio, CEO of Tumblr.
That said, some adult content would still be allowed on the platform under the new guidelines. For instance, content such as breastfeeding, health and birth related matreial, as well as erotica.
“Written content such as erotica, nudity related to political or newsworthy speech, and nudity found in art, such as sculptures and illustrations, are also stuff that can be freely posted on Tumblr,” explanied Tumblr’s FAQ page.
Besides, blog owners whose posts have been identified as adult content will be notified, and they’ll have the right to appeal to Tumblr’s decision.