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Google (stock image pictured) will no longer show adverts for sexually explicit content, escort services, intimate massage services, and prostitution

Adverts will no longer appear on Google when people search for certain types of adult content, it has been revealed.

The search engine is removing any promotional links to sexually explicit content, escort services, intimate massage services, and prostitution.

These changes were announced in March, but began rolling out earlier this week.

This only applies to AdWords adverts, and does not apply to search results.

This means searching for erotic massage will still show websites relating to the topic, but the sponsored posts will disappear. 

At the time of the announcement, Google said: 'The AdWords policies on adult sexual services, family status, and underage or non-consensual sex acts will be updated in late June 2014 to reflect a new policy on sexually explicit content.

'Under this policy, sexually explicit content will be prohibited, and guidelines will be clarified regarding promotion of other adult content. The change will affect all countries.

'We made this decision as an effort to continually improve users' experiences with AdWords.'

Advertisers were warned, via email, earlier this month that changes were beginning 'in the coming weeks'. The policy has now been updated. This chart shows which adverts are no longer allowed

Advertisers were warned, via email, earlier this month that changes were beginning 'in the coming weeks' and that Google will 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.'

Not all adult content is banned, however, and adverts for strip clubs, lap dancing, as well as adult and sexual dating sites will still appear.

Until the changes, Google's SafeSearch was the only way to filter explicit adverts and results from being displayed.

Google banned porn blogs from advertising adult websites on Blogger in June 2013.

If an ad is disapproved, AdWords subscribers can fix the violation and resubmit their ad for review, but if it still breaches policy it won't be accepted.

AdWords is said to be worth 90 per cent of the tech giant's revenue, and last quarter earned the company  $13.8bn (£8bn).

However adverts for strip clubs, lap dancing, as well as adult and sexual dating sites will still appear. This chart shows which adverts are still allowed