MSN to Drop Adult Groups

REDMOND, Wash. — Search engine MSN.com will remove all communities designated as “adult” and “mature” communities from its MSN Groups area by late November, according to BetaNews.

However, rather than disbanding the groups, the company will migrate them to third-party site WorldGroups.com, which reportedly has agreed to host the adult-related communities.

BetaNews reported that it has obtained a draft copy of the company’s yet-to-be-released press announcement containing details about the decision.

According to the secret press announcement, users will have until Oct. 19 to create new groups or change their classifications to or from the “adult” and “mature” categories. Content on these groups is then scheduled to be “locked down” on Nov. 2, pending transfer to WorldGroups on Nov. 28.

After that, users will be prohibited from posting or uploading any content deemed pornographic or obscene.

A representative from MSN declined comment when contacted by XBiz.

According to BetaNews, the press announcement says, "MSN services are used by a broad audience and we need to ensure that content is appropriate for all viewers. To meet these needs, MSN prohibits content and language that is sexually explicit from many MSN sites. We are also unable to provide access to additional adult content and services desired by many of our users."

BetaNews added that WorldGroups plans to offer users several features currently not offered by MSN, including unlimited storage as well as streaming video capabilities, privacy controls and opportunities to use the groups to generate revenue.

Users will have the option of creating and listing communities in two categories. The first, Adult WorldGroups, will allow users to post mature content. The other, Unfiltered, will allow adult content and unrestricted chat.

MSN's move would come on the heels of a decision by Yahoo in June to close down chat rooms after a Houston TV station exposed illegal activities, including sexual predators targeting children. Several mainstream companies pulled their advertising from Yahoo in the wake of the report and negative publicity surrounding it.

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

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More