X, formerly known as Twitter, has updated its guidelines to permit consensually produced adult content on its platform. However, this content must be appropriately labeled and not prominently featured, such as in profile pictures or banners.
Following the announcement, @Safety tweeted about launching new Adult Content and Violent Content policies to provide clarity on rules and enforcement. Notably, X’s rules now encompass all forms of adult content, including AI-generated, photographic, or animated material. Users who regularly post NSFW content are required to mark their uploads as sensitive content.
These changes come amidst a shift in X’s approach to content, with the platform aiming to diversify revenue streams following a decline in ad sales after Elon Musk’s involvement. Despite the updates, enforcing these rules remains a challenge, as seen in previous incidents of explicit content spreading unchecked on the platform.
Other social platforms have faced similar challenges, with Tumblr’s notable ban on adult content in 2018 and subsequent changes to its policy. Payment processors like Mastercard and Visa have also tightened restrictions on adult content platforms, prompting stricter rules across various platforms.