The social network X, previously known as Twitter, has officially updated its policies to allow porn and sexually explicit content on its platform, albeit with certain restrictions.
While this type of content has long been prevalent on Twitter/X, it was previously unregulated. Now, the company has incorporated guidelines for adult content.
Why this matters. While X may not have as many users as Instagram or TikTok, it has the most significant amount of global influence. Its recent move means that, unlike its rivals, including Meta and TikTok, X is one of the few platforms to openly allow porn on its platform.
The decision could potentially appeal to adult content creators and generate additional revenue for X. However, it also raises concerns about the direction of the platform and potentially exposing minors to inappropriate content, as noted by Variety.
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The new X rules:
- Users are allowed to post “consensually produced and distributed material depicting adult nudity or sexual behavior,” with “consensually” being the key factor here.
- This type of content needs to be labeled correctly.
- This type of content can’t be displayed in places like profile pictures or header photos, as these are subject to modesty guidelines.
- X will block such posts for accounts under 18 and for adults who actively choose not to view adult content.
- Any content that promotes sexual exploitation, lack of consent, or sexualization of minors is strictly prohibited.
Reading between the lines. Twitter already permitted nudity before Elon Musk acquired it in 2022. As Reuters reported that year, the company’s calculations estimated that 13% of its posts contained adult content.
The formalization of these content policies aims to strike a balance between freedom of sexual expression and the protection of individuals who don’t want to see porn in general, especially minors.
Some context. Throughout the years, platforms known for allowing adult content, such as Tumblr and those specifically dedicated to it like OnlyFans, have had difficulties managing these communities. Regulators, as it happens, are making efforts to prevent children from accessing this type of material on these platforms.
X’s open embrace of porn under Musk’s leadership is another controversial move that aims to differentiate the platform from its competitors. This move may attract new creators and consumers, but it could also lead to increased regulatory scrutiny. We have yet to see how effective X will be in enforcing its policies.
Image | Xataka using Midjourney
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