Monday, December 3, 2018

Tumblr Bans Adult Content-Zander Pryor

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/remysmidt/tumblr-ban-porn-adult-content

Tumblr is a mess. I doubt you could find anyone who disagrees. Even those who utilize it wholeheartedly believe it's a mess and acknowledge its tendency to do the worst possible things in situations. Exhibit A? Tumblr's reaction to being removed from the apple store. This was largely because of the rampant bots (predominantly porn ones) and pedophilia in all forms including a MAP (minor attracted person) community. While this was perfectly understandable on the part of the Apple Store, it was not ideal for Tumblr. A solution was needed and provided yesterday: a complete ban on all content unsuited for work beginning December 17th. The response has been overwhelmingly negative with many pledging to leave the site and others starting petitions and other forms of protests.

This story makes me feel, well I don't know anymore. It's kind of amusing and worrisome at the same time. This sort of censorship on a site whose entire purpose centers on art leaves me disconcerted. It also does little to address the problem at hand (i.e. the rampant Nazis and pedophiles on the site). It reminds me a bit of prohibition. It could be, in some eyes, a good or reasonable solution but ultimately it creates more problems than it solves leaving an even bigger mess. I think it may also result in a similar outcome with a reversal of this policy after public outcry, just as prohibition ended. 

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