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[UPDATE: Twitch rescinded the change with another police update ]
Most social platforms have strict rules in place against nudity and sexual content. They might even ban or suspend users for posting explicit images and videos. However, the streaming service Twitch is taking a U-turn. It is loosening some of its rules that were enacted against posting sexual material, BBC reports.
As Twitch states in its blog post, the previous rules were “confusing.” So it was difficult for users to determine how the platform treats their content. “We want streamers to feel confident they understand our rules and viewers to feel confident they will get the experience they expect.” To do so, Twitch has updated its approach toward sexual content and content classification labels.
The first change is the Sexually Suggestive Content and Sexually Explicit Content policies are now consolidated into a single category, dubbed “Sexual Content Policy.” The new policy clarifies which type of sexual content is banned on Twitch.
Twitch revises its sexual content policies for more clarity
Meanwhile, streamers can still label explicit content that might not be suitable for all viewers. Some sexual content that was previously banned on Twitch is now allowed with the Sexual Themes Label. For example, content that “deliberately highlighted breasts, buttocks or pelvic region” is permitted with labels.
Additionally, the drawn, animated, or sculpted breasts, genitals, and buttocks, regardless of gender, are allowed. Body writing on female-presenting breasts or buttocks, regardless of gender, and erotic dances that involve disrobing or disrobing gestures are other cases of newly allowed content on Twitch.
Twitch further notes that games that feature nudity and pornography as a “core focus” or feature are entirely banned on the platform. Also, Twitch itself can enable Sexual Themes Label for the content it finds explicit but not labeled by the streamer.
Twitch took a similar path with Hot Tub Streams
In 2021, a new kind of stream suddenly became popular on Twitch: Hot Tub Streams. The stream involved women with swimwear in their at-home hot tubs. Everyone thought Twitch might ban users who post such content.
However, the platform said in a blog post that “being found to be sexy by others is not against our rules, and Twitch will not take enforcement action against women, or anyone on our service, for their perceived attractiveness.” Twitch even introduced a new category called “Pools, Hot Tubs and Beaches” so users can find related streams more easily.