This one comes from Zara:
I’m about to create a website on wordpress. My website is an escort website. It is adult oriented. The new website would look exactly like my current website […] and I’m considering to build a new website on wp.
Since my friend’s website is built on wp and is escort oriented, plus it was banned by wp, now I’m worried about it all.
Is it allowed to build an escort website on wp?
Yes.
I’ve mentioned it before, that you can use WP for porn because the freedoms of the GPL allow it. More specifically, WordPress states that you can use it for anything you want.
So what’s Zara talking about when she says ‘it was banned by wp’ if that’s true? We’re talking about a couple things here, one is WordPress.org and the other is WordPress.com and yes, it’s a headache.
WordPress.org is the home of the software. WordPress.com is a hosting service that runs nothing but a locked down, managed, WordPress Multisite instance that you can use for free (or pay for add-ons). As a hosting company, WordPress.com has specific rules and bylaws that they restrict their users to. This is, in no way shape or form, a violation of your GPL permissions. They’re not restricting WordPress usage, they’re restricting your usage of their servers and their system.
So yes, Zara, you can use the WordPress software for your escort website, but you need to find a web host who will give you permission to host it. My advice to you is to make sure what you’re doing is legal where you live. Also, make sure it’s legal for your webhost. At DreamHost, I know we allow any website that’s legal in the state of California, which means we host a lot of sites I personally disagree with but will defend their right to publish with my dying breath. Not every website has the same rules, so just ask them if they allow escort sites. They should be able to answer, or pass you on to legal for confirmation.
Good luck!
