Sydney, Australia – The popular social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently updated its policies to allow the posting of pornographic content. However, the company clarified that such content will be restricted from view for users under 18 or those who do not opt-in to see it.
In response to increasing pressure from regulators worldwide to safeguard children from inappropriate content online, X has implemented measures to control access to adult and violent posts on its platform. Sex workers, including those who use subscription services like OnlyFans, have utilized X to promote their work, raising concerns about explicit content on the site.
Users posting adult content on X, such as nudity or sexual acts, are now required to adjust their media settings to ensure that their images and videos are accompanied by a content warning. Individuals under 18 or those who have not provided their birthdate on their profile will not have access to this type of content.
The platform has also put regulations in place regarding violent content, including speech or media that promotes or glorifies violence. Concerns have been raised about the exposure of teenagers to pornographic material on X, with research indicating that a significant percentage of adolescents have encountered such content on the platform.
Moreover, Australia’s online safety regulator has criticized tech giants like Apple and Google for allowing X and other platforms with adult content to remain on their app stores. The regulator has pointed out revenue-driven motives behind this decision, highlighting the financial interests at play in the app store ecosystem.
In addition to issues with adult content, X is facing legal challenges involving violent content on its platform. A dispute with the Australian eSafety commissioner over the handling of tweets depicting a stabbing incident has led to a legal battle, with implications for content moderation and user safety online.
As X continues to navigate these complex regulatory and ethical challenges, the platform’s policies and practices around adult and violent content will likely remain under scrutiny from both authorities and users seeking a safer online environment. The outcome of ongoing legal battles and regulatory interventions could have significant implications for how social media platforms manage potentially harmful content moving forward.