Adult video website Pornhub has removed millions of unverified videos from its website, BBC reported. The decision was taken following a report published in The New York Times (NYT), which accused it of being “infested” with child-abuse and rape-related videos.
As per the new policy, only verified content partners would be able to upload content on the platform. It now claims its measures are stricter than several social media platforms.
“This means every piece of Pornhub content is from verified uploaders, a requirement that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter have yet to institute,” the site said in a blog.
It claimed it was being targeted not for its policies, but because it’s an adult content website.
“It is clear that Pornhub is being targeted not because of our policies and how we compare to our peers, but because we are an adult content platform,” it said.
Allegations against Pornhub
The NYT reported how the site displayed thousands of results upon searching for under-age girls. It also reported how several victims found on the website the videos of their rape and assault.
Nicholas Kristof, who wrote the article, questioned why bank, card companies and search engines support the website, given the serious allegations against it.
It specifically named Mastercard, which withdrew its support from the site, last week. According to BBC, Visa is pursuing a similar inquiry.
Although Pornhub is free, it charges a certain amount for its exclusive content.