Starwood Hotels Promised to Remove Pay-Per-View Pornography

We are happy to announce that as of January 1, 2016 the Starwood global hotel chain (which includes brands: the Westin, Sheraton, Four Points, Aloft, Le Meridien, and more) has implemented a new policy that no longer provides pornography choices as part of their on-demand/pay-per view television offerings.

BACKGROUND:

NCOSE alerted Starwood in 2015 that they were a target for the 2016 Dirty Dozen List and that many other hotels have recently gotten out of the business of distributing hardcore pornography. Starwood replied on December 4, 2015 :

Thank you for raising your concerns to us. As you may already know, Starwood is deeply committed to enriching the communities in which we work and live by being a responsible corporate citizen. Like you, we condemn all forms of exploitation of men, women and children, and our Human Rights Policy acknowledges and respects the principles contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This policy is publicly available, and reflects Starwood’s commitment to conduct its business in a manner consistent with these principles and to protect human rights within the company’s sphere of influence. We are already taking actions to eliminate adult video content from in-room entertainment offerings, by working with our video content providers and our hotel owners.

Many email exchanges then took place between NCOSE and a representative from Starwood. On February 10, 2016 Starwood wrote explaining they officially changed their policies regarding their distribution of pornography on January 1, 2016 and that it will be removed from all 1,270 properties worldwide.

Starwood explained that this may take some time as they work to change contracts that currently include pornographic content, but assured as that no installations of NEW or UPGRADED in-room entertainment systems will include this content.

To learn more about this project and see more background on Starwood’s involvement, please visit the our Starwood Web Page Here.

The Numbers

300+

NCOSE leads the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation with over 300 member organizations.

100+

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation has had over 100 policy victories since 2010. Each victory promotes human dignity above exploitation.

93

NCOSE’s activism campaigns and victories have made headlines around the globe. Averaging 93 mentions per week by media outlets and shows such as Today, CNN, The New York Times, BBC News, USA Today, Fox News and more.

Previous slide
Next slide

Stories

Survivor Lawsuit Against Twitter Moves to Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Survivors’ $12.7M Victory Over Explicit Website a Beacon of Hope for Other Survivors

Instagram Makes Positive Safety Changes via Improved Reporting and Direct Message Tools

Sharing experiences may be a restorative and liberating process. This is a place for those who want to express their story.

Support Dignity

There are more ways that you can support dignity today, through an online gift, taking action, or joining our team.

Defend Human Dignity. Donate Now.

Defend Dignity.
Donate Now.