Social/Publishing Platforms and Adult Content

I’ve been pulling together the terms and services for various online entities as they pertain to adult content and it’s a sad and annoying list. But I think it’s also valuable to know, especially if you’re considering jumping onto one of them and aren’t sure what you can and cannot do.

Many of them are specific but just as many offer vague statements around adult content which is always at their discretion.

Here’s what I have so far:

Amazon KDP:

As a bookseller, we provide our customers with access to a variety of viewpoints, including books that some customers may find objectionable. That said, we reserve the right not to sell certain content, such as pornography or other inappropriate material.

Google Play Books

Sexually explicit material

Permitted

• Images of nudity with educational, artistic, historical, or documentary value
• Sexually explicit content

Although these types of sexually explicit materials are permitted, we do require that publishers mark their content as being “For mature audiences” on the Book’s Settings tab in the Partner Center.

Not permitted

• Images of nudity and/or sexually explicit audio descriptions with no educational, artistic, historical, or documentary value
• Pornographic content
• Sexually explicit text in any Book metadata (i.e. titles, subtitles or descriptions)
• Sexually explicit text, images, or audio content depicting extreme sexual acts such as acts of pedophilia or sex with animals
• Content that drives traffic to pornographic online services

Please note that we may make exceptions based on artistic, educational, historical, documentary, or scientific considerations, or where there are other substantial benefits to the public.

Child safety
Google has a zero-tolerance policy against child sexual abuse in either text, imagery, or audio. We strictly prohibit the use of Google Play to create, possess, or distribute child sexual abuse text, imagery, or audio. Be advised that we work closely with law enforcement. We will report purveyors of child exploitation, and any content promoting these activities will be removed.

Kobo

Pornography, adult content, and obscenity:

• Pornography, Nudity, and Sexually Explicit Material: Adult or explicit material depicting illegal acts or deemed to be exploitative shall be blocked or removed from the Website. See below for details regarding Kobo standards. If Your content contains appropriate adult or explicit material, please flag the eBook as containing mature content as a courtesy to other Users, so that they will have the choice whether or not to view this content. You can do this either in the metadata by providing accurate age ranges and subject codes, or by selecting the appropriate content classification in Kobo Writing Life. We reserve the right to put such mature content behind an interstitial.
• Pedophilia, Incest, Bestiality, Exploitation and Sexual Violence or Force: Users may not publish written, image, audio or video content that promotes pedophilia, incest, bestiality, or sexual violence or force.
• Commercial Pornography: We do not allow content that exists for the primary purpose of monetizing pornographic content or driving traffic to a monetized pornography site.
• Child Pornography: Kobo has a zero-tolerance policy against child pornography, and We will terminate and report to the appropriate authorities any User who publishes or distributes child pornography, or who promotes material that is or purports to be child pornography.

Barnes and Noble

Please be advised that submitting or posting any of the following content in your eBook file, cover image or product data may, in the exercise of Barnes & Noble’s sole and unfettered discretion, result in the removal of said content and/or termination of your account. Please be advised that the content listed represent examples only and the following list of content is non-exhaustive. Such content includes but is not limited to:

• Obscene or Pornographic material: This may include content that graphically portrays sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual arousal and erotic satisfaction.

MailChimp/Tiny Letter

Please don’t use Mailchimp to send anything offensive, to promote anything illegal, or to harass anyone. You may not send:

• Emails offering to sell illegal goods or services
• Emails that violate CAN-SPAM Laws
• Pornography/sexually explicit content

Tumblr:

Don’t upload images, videos, or GIFs that show real-life human genitals or female-presenting nipples — this includes content that is so photorealistic that it could be mistaken for featuring real-life humans (nice try, though). Certain types of artistic, educational, newsworthy, or political content featuring nudity are fine. Don’t upload any content, including images, videos, GIFs, or illustrations, that depicts sex acts.

Facebook:

“We restrict the display of nudity or sexual activity because some people in our community may be sensitive to this type of content. Additionally, we default to removing sexual imagery to prevent the sharing of non-consensual or underage content. Restrictions on the display of sexual activity also apply to digitally created content unless it is posted for educational, humorous, or satirical purposes.

Our nudity policies have become more nuanced over time. We understand that nudity can be shared for a variety of reasons, including as a form of protest, to raise awareness about a cause, or for educational or medical reasons. Where such intent is clear, we make allowances for the content. For example, while we restrict some images of female breasts that include the nipple, we allow other images, including those depicting acts of protest, women actively engaged in breast-feeding, and photos of post-mastectomy scarring. We also allow photographs of paintings, sculptures, and other art that depicts nude figures.”

Instagram:

We know that there are times when people might want to share nude images that are artistic or creative in nature, but for a variety of reasons, we don’t allow nudity on Instagram. This includes photos, videos, and some digitally-created content that show sexual intercourse, genitals, and close-ups of fully-nude buttocks. It also includes some photos of female nipples, but photos of post-mastectomy scarring and women actively breastfeeding are allowed. Nudity in photos of paintings and sculptures is OK, too.

People like to share photos or videos of their children. For safety reasons, there are times when we may remove images that show nude or partially-nude children. Even when this content is shared with good intentions, it could be used by others in unanticipated ways. You can learn more on our Tips for Parents page.

Patreon:

We ask creators to flag themselves as Adult Content if they create any content that has mature themes such as sexuality or graphic violence. When you are flagged as Adult Content your page is removed from our search. We also require that all public content on your page be appropriate for all audiences. Content with mature themes must be marked as a patron-only post.

We have zero tolerance when it comes to the glorification of sexual violence which includes bestiality, rape, and child exploitation (i.e., sexualized depiction of minors). This is true for illustrated, animated, or any other type of content. Patreon reserves the right to review and remove accounts that may violate this guideline. As a reminder, you should never post or share nude content of any individual under the age of 18, including yourself. As a strong commitment to child safety, we will work with law enforcement whenever we come across child exploitation.

We also do not allow other fringe sexual fetish content, such as incest, necrophilia, or fetish content that is hard to distinguish from non-consensual sex.

We understand that some topics on this list such as incest or rape are a little bit more complicated because these situations are, unfortunately, part of real life. As a result, when reviewing this type of content, the Trust and Safety team will take into consideration context including personal, historical or educational narrative. For example, survivor stories or fiction such as Game of Thrones or Lolita are allowed on Patreon.

Lastly, you cannot sell pornographic material or arrange sexual service(s) as a reward for your patrons. We define pornographic material as real people engaging in sexual acts such as masturbation or sexual intercourse on camera. You can’t use Patreon to raise funds in order to produce pornographic material such as maintaining a website, funding the production of movies, or providing a private webcam session.

If you have doubts about whether to mark your page as Adult Content or not, we always recommend that you do so for the sake of precaution. This is especially important as Patreon welcomes different communities with different sensitivities. You can read more about the Adult Content flag here.

Twitter:

We consider adult content to be any media that is pornographic or intended to cause sexual arousal. Some examples include, but are not limited to, depictions of:

• full or partial nudity, including close-ups of genitals, buttocks, or breasts;
  • Please note that exceptions may be made for artistic, medical, health, or educational content. Breastfeeding content does not need to be marked as sensitive.
• simulating a sexual act; or
• intercourse or any other sexual act, involving humans, depictions of animals with human-like features, cartoons, hentai or anime.

Media containing adult content is not permitted within live video, profile or header images. All other instances of adult content should be marked as sensitive media. Adult content created or shared without the consent of those depicted, or media that depicts sexual violence or assault is subject to removal under our intimate media policy.

Snapchat:

• We prohibit accounts that promote or distribute pornographic content.
• Breastfeeding and other depictions of nudity in non-sexual contexts are not considered pornographic and are permitted on Snapchat.
• Never post, save, or send nude or sexual content involving anyone under the age of 18 — even of yourself. Never ask a minor to send explicit imagery or chats. We report child sexual exploitation to authorities.

Ko-Fi:

You are prohibited from using the Ko-fi platform, service and any page in connection with any of the following:

• Adult or sexually explicit content including but not limited to:
  • Pornography, nudity and any other obscene content;
  • Literature, imagery (including illustrative), videos, links to external sites or content containing such material; and
  • Sexual services such as prostitution, escorts, pay-per view, adult live chat features;

PayPal

We permit U.S.-only transactions for certain sexually oriented physical goods that are physically delivered to the customer. Videos, DVDs, and magazines are examples of physical goods. (We don’t allow transactions for such goods outside the U.S.)

We don’t permit PayPal account holders to buy or sell:

• Sexually oriented digital goods or content delivered through a digital medium. Downloadable pictures or videos and website subscriptions are examples of digital goods.
• Sexually oriented goods or services that involve, or appear to involve, minors.
• Services whose purpose is to facilitate meetings for sexually oriented activities.

Sexual preferences and viewpoints aren’t factors in determining what our policy prohibits.

In deciding what sexually oriented goods and services to allow, we consider:

• What regulations or restrictions are placed on the purchase or sale of the product.
• How the product is classified by a recognized ratings board.
• Whether the product describes or depicts sexual conduct in a patently offensive way.
• The dominant theme of the product material or website.
• The literary, artistic, political, or scientific value of the product.
• Potential medicinal or educational uses for the product.
• The product’s impact on the safety of our customers.

Indigogo:

Prohibited Content and Perks

The following content, activities, and Perks are prohibited on our website. For further information on certain categories of prohibited content, please review the What Can I Not Offer as Perks Help Center article. Any decision that Indiegogo makes on prohibited content and perks, or any other policy compliance decision, is final.

• Nudity and Sexually Explicit Content
  • Nudity and sexually explicit content, which may include:
    • Sexually explicit videos
    • Links to websites that may contain sexually explicit material

GoFundMe

The following are examples of Content and/or use that is illegal or prohibited by GoFundMe. This list is not exhaustive and we reserve the right to investigate anyone who, in our sole discretion, violates any of the terms or spirit of these Terms of Service. We further reserve without limitation, the right to remove the offending Content, suspend or terminate the account of such violators, stop payments to any such Campaign, freeze or place a hold on Donations, and report you to law enforcement authorities or otherwise take appropriate legal action including seeking restitution on behalf of ourselves and/or our users. Without limiting the foregoing, you agree not to use the Services to:

1. pornography or other sexual content;
2. offensive, graphic, perverse or sensitive content;

Kickstarter:

We prohibit projects that are illegal, heavily regulated, or potentially dangerous for backers, as well as rewards that the creator did not make.

1. Pornographic material.

Ello:

Regarding NSFW content;

If you regularly post adult-oriented content, otherwise deemed NSFW, please respect those in our community that do not wish to see it by flagging your profile Not Safe for Work (NSFW) through your account settings.

To designate your profile NSFW, visit our Settings page under the heading, NSFW, “Post Adult Content.”

If you regularly post adult content and do not mark your account NSFW, we may ask you to do so, or we may flag your account NSFW for you. If you abuse our NSFW rules, your account may be suspended or removed.

If you choose not to view adult content, all NSFW posts will be hidden and NSFW member avatars and headers will be pixelated accordingly.

Please do not post any content depicting sexual stimulation or penetration.

Medium:

We do not allow pornographic images or videos. We do allow erotic writing and non-graphic erotic images.

We do not allow gratuitously graphic or disturbing media, even if it’s not pornographic.

Pornhub:

The following types of content is not permitted on Pornhub:

• • Post any Content that depicts any person under 18 years of age (or older in any other location in which 18 is not the minimum age of majority);
  • Post any Content for which you have not maintained written documentation sufficient to confirm that all subjects of your posts are, in fact, over 18 years of age (or older in any other location in which 18 is not the minimum age of majority);
  • Post any Content depicting child pornography, rape, snuff, torture, death, violence, or incest, racial slurs or hate speech, (either aurally or via the written word);
  • Post any Content that contains falsehoods or misrepresentations that could damage the Website or any third party;

• Post any Content that is obscene, illegal, unlawful, defamatory, libelous, harassing, hateful, racially or ethnically offensive, or encourages conduct that would be considered a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, violate any law, or is otherwise inappropriate.

Discord:

THE FOLLOWING IS NOT TOLERATED. WE WILL REMOVE CONTENT AND ISSUE A WARNING. SUBSEQUENT MISCONDUCT AND CASES OF EXTREME SEVERITY WILL RESULT IN ACCOUNT DELETION:

• Not properly labeling NSFW channels. Some content just isn’t appropriate for kids under 18, so let’s do the right thing in our community and label any channel containing adult content as NSFW. This will add an age gate to the channel, protecting those who wish not to see.

THE FOLLOWING IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE AND WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE CONTENT REMOVAL AND ACCOUNT DELETION:

• Sharing content related to minors that is sexually suggestive or violent. Do not share or post links to images that depict minors or underage individuals engaged in violent, sexually suggestive, pornographic, shameful, or otherwise inappropriate situations.

Kik

Can I distribute pornography or inappropriate content through Kik? 
Nope. That includes sending, requesting, commenting on, linking to, or advertising inappropriate content.

By “inappropriate content” we mean any photo, video, or written depiction of pornography, nudity, real or implied sexual acts, graphic or gratuitous violence, and anything else that doesn’t belong in a positive chat community with an audience age 13 and up.

Pillowfort:

(This is all I could find.)

Any user who commits the following infractions is subject to moderator action:

• Posting sexual, violent, or otherwise offensive content, persistently and in an unrelated community or tag (i.e. ‘spamming’) with the intent to offend and disturb other users;

WordPress.com

(Please note this only applies to wordpress.com hosted sites, not personal installs of WordPress on third-party servers. At least as far as I can tell.)

We do permit mature content on WordPress.com, including text, images and videos that contain nudity, offensive language, and mature subject material. However, blogs that contain such content must be marked as Mature in our system.

If you are publishing a blog that you expect will contain content that is intended for mature audiences, we ask that you provide us the courtesy of reporting your blog or website here.

A blog or website that is marked as Mature is excluded from public areas of the WordPress.com service. This means:

• It will not appear in the Reader or other tag listings
• It will not appear in Top Blogs listings, recent posts, or related posts listings on other blogs
• The blog’s users cannot use that URL as a link in their WordPress.com Forums profile

Mature blogs and their owners are permitted to utilize all other aspects of WordPress.com. We do not suspend blogs solely for the presence of mature content and there are no interstitials or other “age gates” on WordPress.com.

However, there are limitations to the mature content permitted on our service. Please don’t:

• Post visual depictions of sexually explicit acts (such as, but not limited to, images, videos, and drawings) that can be considered pornographic;
• Post links or ads to adult-oriented affiliate networks, such as pornography site signups;
• Post links, text, or images promoting or advertising escort or erotic services;
• Post images of extreme violence or gore without associated context or commentary;
• Post images of child pornography;
• Post content that promotes pedophilia, such as blogs with galleries of images of children where the images, content surrounding the images, or the intent of the blog is sexually suggestive.

Pinterest

Most artistic, scientific or educational nudity is okay on Pinterest. We may hide this and other explicit content from public places so people don’t run into it accidentally. Paintings, statues and other real world art, and content that shows breastfeeding or mastectomies are always okay.

We always remove images of explicit sexual activity or fetishes, and nude or partially nude people in sexually suggestive poses.

Reddit