X (Twitter) now officially allows adult content

In a bold move, X (formerly known as Twitter) has updated its policy to allow the sharing of consensual adult and pornographic content on its platform. Under the updated guidelines, users can now freely post, view, and share adult content, as long as it is appropriately marked and not prominently displayed.

According to X, users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed. The platform emphasises the importance of sexual expression as a legitimate form of artistic representation. The platform champions the autonomy of adults to create content that reflects their beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality.

However, X remains dedicated in its commitment to maintaining a safe online environment. The platform strictly prohibits any pornographic material that is exploitative, nonconsensual, or promotes harmful behaviors or the sexualisation of minors. Additionally, adult content is restricted from being used in profile pictures, banners, and other publicly visible areas.

X defines adult content as any consensually produced and distributed material depicting adult nudity or sexual behavior that is pornographic or intended to cause sexual arousal. This also applies to AI-generated, photographic or animated content such as cartoons, hentai, or anime. Examples include depictions of: full or partial nudity, including close-ups of genitals, buttocks, or breasts; explicit or implied sexual behavior or simulated acts such as sexual intercourse and other sexual acts.

Users who frequently share adult content are encouraged to adjust their settings to automatically add content warnings. These warnings prompt viewers to acknowledge that they are about to view NSFW (Not Safe For Work) material. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in account settings being adjusted by the platform. To ensure compliance, users under 18 or those who haven’t provided their birth date will be unable to access posts marked as adult content.

This update comes after X’s rebranding from Twitter in 2023. It’s estimated that around 13% of all content on the platform featured adult material before the policy change, highlighting the significance of this shift in content moderation.

MATI MANGO|PEXELS