Why is Pornhub doing a better job checking user identity and moderating content than Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and almost every other social media platform? Back in December, the NYT accused Pornhub of profiting from child exploitation, revenge porn, and other illegal content. To its credit, Pornhub immediately banned all uploads from unverified users, blocked video downloads, and removed millions of videos from its platform (and other properties owned by its parent company). Now, to upload a video, you need to be verified by Yoti, a third-party secure digital identity company.
Is there a lesson here for Big Tech? No one knows who anyone really is on Twitter. We assume that TikTok users are posting videos of themselves, but anyone can repost and revise anything on TikTok. Facebook has stricter requirements to create a profile, but it’s super easy to game the system. Should Big Tech follow Pornhub’s lead?
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with AI strategy, implementation and governance, as well as technology, media and marketing. Named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology, he is a bestselling author, covers tech and business for Fox 5’s Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN, and writes the popular daily business blog Think About This. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.