Google Blogger removes sexually explicit content

Google said Tuesday it would ban sexually explicit content or "graphic nudity" on its Blogger platform, asking users to remove the material by March 23.

The move came the same day the online forum Reddit said it would take steps to curb the posting of stolen or unauthorized nude photos.

Google said in an update to its policies it would still allow nudity "if the content offers a substantial public benefit, for example in artistic, educational, documentary, or scientific contexts."

The update said users with sexually explicit content may remain on the platform as a "private" blog that can only be viewed by the administrator and persons with whom the link is shared.

Users will also be able to export the blog to another platform if they don't want to remain on Google, the policy said.

Until now, Google's policy had banned certain illegal activities including child pornography or pedophilia.

The update by Google comes a year after Twitter-owned Vine made a similar change to ban explicit video clips.

Google's new policy elicited complaints over Twitter, with some calling it censorship.

Violet Blue, who pens the human sexuality blog tinynibbles.com, tweeted, "Censoring this content is contrary to a service that bases itself on freedom of expression."

Another blogger, Carin McLeoud, said, "google's email about adult content on blogger treats adult content as though it harms people and nothing comes from it."

Twitter user Matt Adlard wrote,  "Has #Google gone too far with its self styled #censorship on peoples Blogs?? Are we not adults to decide our own fate and what we watch??"

- Reddit tackles 'involuntary' porn -

Separately, Reddit said in its updated privacy terms Tuesday it would ban "involuntary pornography" starting Match 10.

"If you believe that someone has submitted, without your permission, to reddit a link to a photograph, video, or digital image of you in a state of nudity or engaged in any act of sexual conduct, please contact us... and we will expedite its removal as quickly as possible. reddit prohibits the posting of such content without consent," the new privacy page states.

The move comes after Reddit gained notoriety for hosting forums used to post nude pictures hacked from other online accounts in 2014. That included pictures of celebrities including actress Jennifer Lawrence, pop icon Rihanna and top model Kate Upton.

"Last year, we missed a chance to be a leader in social media when it comes to protecting your privacy," said a blog post by the Reddit leadership team.

"No matter who you are, if a photograph, video, or digital image of you in a state of nudity, sexual excitement, or engaged in any act of sexual conduct, is posted or linked to on reddit without your permission, it is prohibited on reddit."

Reddit was also criticized for allowing users to post pictures of underage girls, before shutting down forums used for that purpose. Reddit three years ago banned child pornography and posting of sexually suggestive material involving minors.

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