The Internet age has permitted people to let loose in all kinds of ways, and oh boy have folks taken that to heart. To stay relevant, services must remain adaptable. This is why Twitch has decided to update its previously unflinchingly strict sexual content policies, now allowing “artistic nudity” in certain contexts.
Twitch, the popular live streaming service, arrived at this decision after the “topless meta” controversy that was started by streamer Morgpie. The OnlyFans model streamed herself topless, creatively using her camera frame to skirt around Twitch’s strict guidelines.
Some streamers were not too pleased about this, and as a result, Morgie was banned on December 11. What’s more, the “topless meta” has sparked a wider debate about content standards on the platform, pushing Twitch to make a huge change to its rule.
The latest revision to its rules will offer more clarity and fairness, particularly to its art community. According to the new guidelines, depiction of illustrated nipples and “erotic dances” within fictional settings, like drawings, animations, and sculptures, will be permitted.
This way, Twitch can modernize its approach to sexual content, consolidating previously separate policies for “sexually suggestive” and “sexually explicit” content into a single, more comprehensive “Sexual Content Policy.”
However, streams tagged with the naughty stuff won’t see the light of day on Twitch’s homepage. No more free promos for the raunchy content. Actual human nipples must remain covered, and elements like underbust or sideboob are still off-limits. Virtual streamers are not exempt from this, as they will also have to adhere to the same wardrobe regulations.
A very important clause in the new guidelines is the importance of accurate labeling of content. If your stream contains mature themes, including any tags for “drugs, intoxication, or excessive tobacco use,” “violent and graphic depictions,” “gambling,” and “sexual themes,” then don’t expect to appear on the homepage.
In most cases, viewers would rather consent to see content flagged with mature themes than encounter it by accident – plus, you know, kids use Twitch too. The benefit of accurate labeling means that content that was previously banned, like artistic depictions of breasts, butts, and genitals, is now permissible under the new policy.
It’s no secret that Twitch’s former puritanical restrictions were not too popular, especially among artists. Now, strip teases, twerking, grinding, and even pole dancing are fair game on Twitch, as long as they’ve got the right tag.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAM02Q6u6a8
The big question now is: how will this chic new policy play out for streamers’ ad revenue? Twitch is keeping mum about this, which likely means the platform has no real answer to this – yet. We’re sure that part will be clarified quickly, since money makes the buffering circle go round.
So, what do you think? Is Twitch giving artistic freedom a new lease on life, or is this just a sneaky way to keep things under wraps? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
