Streaming platform Twitch, widely recognized for its gaming content, has updated its policy to permit adult content, such as nude drawings and sculptures, provided it is deemed artistic. The Amazon-owned site has made this change as part of its efforts to clarify its previously “confusing” rules regarding sexual content.
While maintaining a strict ban on pornographic material, Twitch has opened doors for creators to feature content focused on the “breasts, buttocks or pelvic region” under the banner of artistic expression.
Twitch’s vice president of customer trust, Angela Hession, addressed the complexities content creators faced under the old guidelines in a recent blog post. The platform intends to empower streamers with a clear understanding of the rules while ensuring viewers have a predictable streaming experience.
Historically, Twitch’s regulations broadly prohibited explicit content. This presented challenges as the platform evolved beyond gaming into a hub for diverse creative activities, ranging from visual arts like painting and sculpture to body art. Twitch previously admitted the ambiguity in its rules, especially in cases where content was deemed “sexy” by viewers.
Acknowledging the confusion, Twitch has revised its policy to support its thriving artist community better.
The new rules provide more explicit guidelines on what content is permissible. Fundamental changes include the introduction of content creation labels for specific streams, requiring viewer consent before access. This move allows previously banned content, such as explicit body painting or “erotic dances” involving clothing removal, as long as it is correctly labelled.
Additionally, activities like pole dancing and “twerking” are now permissible without specific labels. The previous guidelines inadvertently restricted innocuous content such as “twerking at a wedding” or certain fitness classes. Streamers are required to accurately label their content, with Twitch enforcing this through warnings and label adjustments when necessary.
