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

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.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More