In a significant shift, X (formerly Twitter) has updated its content rules to formally permit adult and graphic content on its platform. The move, announced by X on June 3, 2024, marks a departure from its previous stance of unofficially allowing such content while not explicitly endorsing it.
Under the new guidelines, users are now allowed to post consensually produced NSFW (not safe for work) content as long as it is clearly labeled as such. This update also extends to AI-generated videos and images, reflecting a more inclusive approach to content moderation.
Elon Musk, at the helm of X, has been instrumental in this policy change, having previously explored hosting adult content with NSFW communities. The company’s rationale behind this decision is rooted in the belief that adults should have the freedom to engage with and create content that aligns with their beliefs and experiences, including those related to sexuality.
While X embraces the autonomy of its users, it also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding minors and users who prefer not to view adult content. The platform allows users to mark sensitive media, restricts access to such content for individuals under 18, and those who haven’t provided their birth dates on their profiles.
Notably, X’s move to formalize the allowance of adult content opens up possibilities for the platform to develop services around this genre, potentially entering the realm of platforms like OnlyFans to diversify its revenue streams.
With approximately 13% of posts on the platform in 2022 containing adult content, as reported by Reuters, the prevalence of such material has been on the rise. This shift in policy will undoubtedly draw scrutiny from regulators, particularly concerning the platform’s efforts to combat non-consensual porn and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Recent incidents, such as fines imposed by Australia for non-compliance with providing information on child abuse content and notifications from India to remove CSAM, underscore the importance of robust content moderation practices for platforms like X.
In line with its updated content rules, X has implemented mechanisms to empower users to mark their posts as containing sensitive media, ensuring that individuals under 18 or those who haven’t disclosed their birth dates on their profiles are shielded from such content. This proactive approach aims to strike a balance between enabling adult content sharing and protecting vulnerable audiences from exposure to inappropriate material.