Twitch has unveiled new updates to its sexual content policy and content classification system, which now permits content that was previously prohibited, like illustrated nipples and "erotic dances."
This move comes after a controversy known as the "topless meta," sparked by the ban of streamer Morgpie, known for streams framed to imply nudity without explicitly violating Twitch's policies.
"We have received consistent feedback from streamers that our current policies around sexual content are confusing and that it can be difficult to know how their content will be interpreted based on these policies. We want streamers to feel confident they understand our rules and viewers to feel confident they will get the experience they expect," Twitch said in a statement.
This illustration picture taken on July 24, 2019 in Paris shows the US live streaming video platform Twitch logo application on the screen of a tablet.
New Sexual Content Policy of Twitch
TechCrunch reported that the controversy erupted when Morgpie's "topless" streams, focusing on her bare shoulders, upper chest, and cleavage, went viral. Despite the implied nudity, Twitch's sexual content policies weren't explicitly violated.
The subsequent backlash, mainly from male streamers, called for stricter enforcement by Twitch. Morgpie was banned on December 11, two days before Twitch's new updates.
Twitch's statement explained the motivation behind the update, saying that consistent feedback from streamers highlighted confusion and difficulty interpreting the existing sexual content policies.
The move aims to provide clarification about what is allowed and what isn't for both streamers and viewers. The new policy consolidates the Sexually Suggestive Content and Sexually Explicit Content policies into a single Sexual Content Policy within the Community Guidelines.
The update addresses the challenges presented by having two separate policies and aims to streamline the guidelines, making them more understandable for content creators. The revised policy specifies the types of sexual content prohibited on Twitch, with violations resulting in account enforcement.
Twitch Changes Content Recommendation System
Additionally, Twitch introduced changes to its content recommendation system for the homepage. Streams labeled with content classifications related to drugs, intoxication, excessive tobacco use, violence, graphic depictions, gambling, and sexual themes will no longer be included in the homepage recommendations shelves.
This adjustment seeks to align the homepage more closely with viewer expectations, ensuring that users won't encounter content they haven't consented to see. Twitch emphasized the importance of user feedback and expressed the desire to make the platform's rules more straightforward for streamers to enable informed decision-making about their content.
The announcement also included a FAQ section addressing specific changes, such as allowing illustrated nudity with appropriate labeling, permitting body painting on breasts and buttocks with a Sexual Themes Label, and outlining Twitch's approach to nudity in gaming.
These updates mark a significant shift in Twitch's approach to sexual content, seeking to balance clearer guidelines with an understanding of artistic expression and user consent.
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