Ning Clarifies Definition of 'Adult Content'

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Social networking generator Ning, which banned adult websites earlier this week, has attempted to clarify its definition of "adult content."

Ning lets users instantly build their own social networks, and until this week, social networks built around adult or pornographic themes were allowed, but then Ning CEO Gina Bianchini spiked adult networks in a blog post.

"Adult social networks don’t pull their own weight," she wrote. "Specifically, they require other social networks to work harder because they don’t generate enough advertising or premium service revenue to cover their costs. Plus, our ad partners aren’t big fans of the adult networks and therefore require us to identify adult networks or risk our healthy advertising revenue. We don’t want to be in the policing business and, unchecked, that’s where this is heading."

But Ning still allows social networks dedicated to nudism, breast-feeding, nude art, and medical information that includes nudity. The site also hosts networks that help people of all stripes connect, including heterosexual, gay and transgender people.

What, indeed, constitutes "adult content" for Ning?

Bianchini posted a blog that attempted to clarify her company's definition of "adult."

“As it relates to the Ning Platform, adult networks include, but aren’t limited to pornography and depictions of sexual acts,” she said, adding that networks that include pornography, sexual acts or other graphic images intended to arouse or to indulge a fetish aren't allowed.

Bianchini explained that by allowing adult social networks, Ning receives more DMCA takedown notices while opening itself up to more illegal content.

Eminent tech analyst Michael Arrington suggested that Ning's motivation may have have also included an old-fashioned desire to make money. He noted that Ning's only advertising partner is Google, which won't post AdSense ads on sites with adult content of any kind.

"Ning was at risk of being banned by Google despite the fact that only a very small portion of the networks on Ning are adult oriented," he wrote for TechCrunch.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Sex Work CEO Debuts Upgraded 'GPTease' AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Canvas in-chat editing feature to its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Show More