X, a social media network, has amended its guidelines to allow members to upload consensually created AI-generated NSFW content as long as it is explicitly labeled. This adjustment is consistent with prior trials under Elon Musk’s leadership, which included hosting pornographic content within specialized communities.
“We believe that users should be able to create, distribute, and consume sexually themed content as long as it is done in a consensual manner. According to X’s amended ‘adult content’ policy, sexual expression, whether visual or written, is an acceptable form of artistic expression.
The policy goes on to say: “We believe in adults’ autonomy to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality.” We balance this freedom by limiting access to explicit content for youngsters and adults who want not to see it.”
Users can identify their postings as containing sensitive media, which prevents users under the age of 18 or those who have not submitted their birth dates from seeing the content.
While X’s violent content restrictions follow similar guidelines, the platform strictly prohibits extremely gruesome content and representations of sexual violence. Explicit threats or content that incites or glorifies violence remain prohibited.
X’s decision to allow graphic content is intended to encourage users to engage in debates about current events, including the sharing of pertinent photographs and videos.
Although X has never overtly outlawed pornography, these new conditions could pave the path for the development of adult content-focused services, perhaps establishing a competitor to sites such as OnlyFans and increasing revenue streams. This would help Musk realize his aim of X being a “everything app,” comparable to China’s WeChat.
According to a Reuters article from 2022, which cited internal corporate papers, around 13% of posts on the network featured adult content. This number has most likely increased, particularly with the proliferation of porn bots on X.