We had a
major win with Verizon last week. If you missed it, read about it
here.
I already told you about Google’s change in policy to stop all pornographic ads and ads that link to sexually explicit websites – but this win is better than we knew at first. We have since learned that this change in policy makes website owners responsible for policing their sites, even if the questionable content is uploaded by a separate user. If the site owners fail to comply, they lose all of the ad revenue they were generating by allowing ads on their website. This forces website owners to be responsible for what is on the websites and gets them to self regulate much better than before.
In addition, Google isn’t only applying this policy to hardcore pornography, but are also prohibiting ads that run to web pages with images or videos containing:
- Strategically covered nudity
- Sheer or see-through clothing
- Lewd or provocative poses
- Close-ups of breasts, buttocks, or crotches
This change at Google is a major victory! We are definitely at a historic point where the fight against pornography is finally changing direction.
In the last few months, we have seen a strengthening of relationships and resolve among the groups commited to this fight, despite their perspectives and thoughts on other issues. We have seen a surge in growth in the army of supporters to this cause. The media has changed their messaging to largely discuss the harms of pornography. Major companies are changing their ways. Government agencies are starting to look at this as a public health crisis. There is much to be optimistic about!
Please continue to help defend dignity and oppose exploitation wherever you can.
