Behind the Decision: X’s Shift on NSFW Content

For years, the internet has hosted all types of information, so tweeting porn was expected. X (previously Twitter) has long had several active NSFW (not safe for work) communities, and while the social network informally permitted pornographic content, its policies have never banned it.

Now, things are different. X added some provisions to its rules over the weekend, making it officially okay for users to post adult and violent content on the platform, though some restrictions exist. So long as it’s marked as NSFW, users can now post content made with their permission. The new rules also apply to movies and pictures made by AI.

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Why Did X Decide to Modify Its Guidelines for Adult Content?

Because X, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has previously conducted experiments with formally hosting adult material with NSFW groups, the decision to modify the regulations is not entirely unexpected.

“We believe that users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed. Sexual expression, visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression,” X’s page on “adult content” policies reads.

“We believe in the autonomy of adults to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality. We balance this freedom by restricting exposure to Adult Content for children or adult users who choose not to see it,” the page reads.

The rules for violent material on X are similar, but X says the content shouldn’t be “excessively gory or displaying sexual violence.” The site still doesn’t let material that directly calls for or encourages violence appear.

Why Did X Decide to Allow NSFW Content?

The corporation permits graphic material because it enables individuals to participate in conversations about the events that are taking place in their immediate environment, and it also allows for the inclusion of films and photographs.

The social network lets users mark their posts as having sensitive content, and people under 18 or who haven’t added their birthdates to their profile can’t see those posts.

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X has never really banned porn, but these terms could let it build services around adult material. For example, it could make a service similar to OnlyFans to make more money.

Reuters reported in 2022 that 13% of platform posts featured pornographic content, citing internal business documentation. Given the rise of porn bots on X, adult material has increased since then. 

The social network’s efforts to filter non-consensual porn and child sexual abuse material will be closely watched by regulators now that it allows adult content.

In October of last year, Australia fined X for not giving them information about child abuse material. Around the same time, India told several social networks, including X, to take CSAM down from their sites.