Google is no longer here for ‘sugar’ dating or compensated sexual relationships.
Starting September 1, its app store will ban “sugar daddy” services that provide ways for older men to offer cash and gifts in exchange for a relationship with younger women, BBC reported.
On Wednesday, the company made the announcement which also brought it up to par with its competitor Apple.
“We’re updating the inappropriate content policy to institute new restrictions on sexual content, specifically prohibiting compensated sexual relationships,” Google said in a notice to developers.
Google’s updated rule places more limitations on “services that may be interpreted as providing sexual acts in exchange for compensation.”
The company has decided to do away with “apps that promote sex-related entertainment, escort services or other services that may be interpreted as providing sexual acts in exchange for compensation, including, but not limited to compensated dating or sexual arrangements where one participant is expected or implied to provide money, gifts or financial support to another participant (‘sugar dating’).”
Google did not detail the timing of its new wording and decision, the New York Post reported.
However, the Google Play Store currently has apps like SeekingArrangement, Sugar Daddy Meet, and Sugar Daddy Dating for prospects looking to connect with wealthy sponsors who like younger or more attractive partners.
Similar apps have already been banned from Apple’s app store.
Google’s decision to make a proactive move likely comes from the 2018 FOSTA bill executed by Donald Trump, which removed Section 230 legal protections for companies accused of knowingly supporting sex trafficking.
