Pornhub are reportedly hoping to buy Tumblr, with the aim of restoring the adult content aspect of the microblogging and social networking site.
In December 2018, Tumblr made the decision to enforce a ban on ‘adult content’. This was defined as being any images, videos, and GIFs which show ‘real-life human genitals or female-presenting nipples’.
Exceptions were made in the cases of ‘Certain types of artistic, educational, newsworthy, or political content featuring nudity’.
Tumblr decided to update their content policy after child sexual abuse imagery was discovered on the site.
This decision divided Tumblr users at the time, with many concerned this would lead to Tumblr losing a significant number of users. Others were dismayed by the effect this ban would have on those from marginalized sexualities, many of whom regarded Tumblr as being a ‘safe haven’.
Tumblr had gained a reputation over its 12-year history for hosting erotic content which appealed to queer communities and young women.
Tumblr defended their decision in a blog post at the end of last year, stating:
There are no shortage of sites on the internet that feature adult content,
We will leave it to them and focus our efforts on creating the most welcoming environment possible for our community.
Visits to the Tumblr site proceeded to plummet, according to web analytics firm SimilarWeb, dropping from 521 million in December 2018 to 437 million in January 2019.
On May 2, The Wall Street Journal reported how Verizon Communications Inc. are now seeking a buyer for Tumblr after the site struggled to meet revenue targets.
Pornhub vice president Corey Price has now confirmed Pornhub’s interest in purchasing Tumblr, through a comment made to Buzzfeed News.
Price emphasized that restoring NSFW on Tumblr would be an integral part of their acquisition, and described Pornhub as having been ‘dismayed’ by the ban.
Pornhub have now given the following statement to Buzzfeed News:
Tumblr was a safe haven for those who wanted to explore and express their sexuality, adult entertainment aficionados included,
We’ve long been dismayed that such measures were taken to eradicate erotic communities on the platform, leaving many individuals without an asylum through which they could comfortably peruse adult content.
Pornhub has given the following statement to UNILAD:
There are obvious synergies between the two brands and value Pornhub could derive from Tumblr. We’re extremely interested in acquiring the platform and are very much looking forward to one day restoring it to its former glory with NSFW content.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.