Google has made changes to its ad guidelines putting an end to ads that feature sexual content.
According to a report by CNBC, the search giant had sent email communication to AdWords partners found running such ads in June. It informed partners that going forward these ads and websites promoted through them will be disapproved.
The report also quotes a Google spokesperson as saying that the company "has long had restrictive policies on its adult category for some time and expected many advertisers had already looked to other advertising venues."
The email communication said:
"Beginning in the coming weeks, we'll no longer accept ads that promote graphic depictions of sexual acts including, but not limited to, hardcore pornography; graphic sexual acts including sex acts such as masturbation; genital, anal, and oral sexual activity.
When we make this change, Google will disapprove all ads and sites that are identified as being in violation of our revised policy. Our system identified your account as potentially affected by this policy change. We ask that you make any necessary changes to your ads and sites to comply so that your campaigns can continue to run."
Google doesn't allow pornographic content on apps available in the Play Store and has strict guidelines for the same. Apple also restricts sexual content on apps and on its iAds mobile ad network. The development signals Google's intent to move away from adult businesses, however, it still indexes pornographic websites.