The social network X, formerly known as Twitter, has officially updated its policies to allow pornographic and sexually explicit content on its platform, with some restrictions.
Until now this type of content on Twitter and X has been common and has never been a problem for the company, but now it is contemplated and regulated.
Because it is important. X is far from Instagram or TikTok in number of users, but it leads in global influence. And this change positions it as one of the few large networks that openly accepts pornography, in contrast to rivals like those mentioned, or like Facebook.
This step may attract adult content creators and become a new source of income for Variety.
The new rules.
- Users can post “consensually produced and distributed nudity or sexual behavior.” The final nuance is important.
- They must be labeled correctly.
- This content cannot be displayed in places such as profile photos or header photos, subject to privacy.
- X will block these types of posts for accounts under 18 and for adults who actively choose not to see it.
- Content that promotes sexual exploitation, lack of consent or sexualization of minors is not allowed.
Between lines. Twitter already allowed nudity before being bought by Musk. It is estimated that 13% of its publications were adult content, according to calculations by the company that published it. Reuters in 2022.
Formalizing these content policies seeks to balance “freedom of sexual expression” with the protection of those who do not wish to watch porn on X in general and minors in particular.
The context. Platforms known for allowing adult content, such as Tumblr, or specifically dedicated to it, such as Onlyfans, have had difficulties managing these types of communities. Regulators are pushing to prevent children from accessing this type of material when using the networks.
X’s open embrace of pornography under Elon Musk is another controversial move that seeks to distinguish the platform from its rivals. It can attract new creators and new consumers, but also more regulatory scrutiny. Now it remains to be seen their ability to enforce their policies.
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