YouTube bans Pornhub’s channel over ‘multiple’ rule violations

YouTube removed Pornhub’s channel for “multiple” violations of community guidelines, as first reported by Diversity. According to Google, Pornhub’s account violated YouTube’s external linking policy, which prohibits users from linking to content that is not permitted on the platform, such as pornography.

“After review, we have terminated the Pornhub Official channel following multiple violations of our Community Guidelines,” said YouTube spokesperson Jack Mallon On the edge. “We apply our policies equally to everyone, and channels that repeatedly infringe or are dedicated to infringing content are terminated.”

Pornhub’s YouTube channel, which had nearly 900,000 subscribers before it was taken down, posted safe content promoting the site and its artists. The company also implemented an age restriction on videos posted on YouTube, which required viewers to be 18 years of age or older, and “vehemently denies” allegations that it posted or linked to adult content.

“Pornhub maintains the best trust and safety measures on the internet and takes special care to ensure that it does not violate any of YouTube’s Community Guidelines,” said a Pornhub spokesperson. On the edge, who wished to remain anonymous due to doxing safety concerns. “Unfortunately, this is just the latest example of discrimination against people in the adult industry, a trend seen in social media and all other aspects of life, especially when groups disingenuously conflate adult consenting content with exploitation.”

The news of Pornhub’s removal from YouTube comes months after Instagram permanently banned Pornhub’s account, citing violations of its rules regarding nudity, adult content and sexual solicitation. Like YouTube, Instagram similarly claims that Pornhub encourages Instagram users to leave the site to view adult content. Pornhub responded to the ban with an open letter criticizing Instagram for removing its “completely PG” account while other creators continue to post content with “nudity and overt sexuality without consequences.”