Google Prohibits Porn On Chromecast, Allows HBO To Do Its Thing (GOOG) (TWX)

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) released a software development kit, or SDK, for its Chromecast streaming dongle earlier this week. The Google Cast SDK will allow programmers to develop apps for the Chromecast.

The SDK comes with a terms of service document that requires Chromecast apps to “comply with the Content Policies listed in the Google Play Developer Program Policies." Therefore, Chromecast apps cannot distribute content with sexually explicit material, in addition to gambling and "hate speech."

"We don't allow content that contains nudity, graphic sex acts, or sexually explicit material," the policy states. "Google has a zero-tolerance policy against child sexual abuse imagery. If we become aware of content with child sexual abuse imagery, we will report it to the appropriate authorities and delete the Google Accounts of those involved with the distribution."

While the Google Play Store guidelines strongly prohibit nudity, the HBO Go app for Android has been serving subscribers sexually explicit content since April 2011. Titles ranging from the “Real Sex” follow-up “Sex// Now” to “Game of Thrones,” “Girls” and “Boardwalk Empire” offer sexually explicit material ranging from nudity to "graphic sex acts."

Why does Google allow HBO to serve its customers sexually explicit programming but prohibit other developers from offering the same? The Mountain View, Calif.-based corporation did not return a request for comment on the discrepancy.

HBO Go added support for the Chromecast in November 2013. HBO is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX).

Should Google censor some developers from serving sexually explicit material on the Chromecast and Android devices, while allowing HBO free rein? Let us know in the comments below.

Follow Reporter Thomas Halleck on Twitter @tommylikey