Twitch is implementing a more lenient stance on content moderation related to sexual content, allowing certain content that was previously prohibited. The live streaming platform will now permit such content if it is appropriately labeled with warnings for viewers. This shift is intended to address concerns about unclear policies and to provide streamers with a better understanding of how their content aligns with Twitch’s guidelines.
The platform emphasizes the importance of accurate content labeling, stating that viewers must have a clear understanding of the content they are about to consume. Twitch believes that with the ability to apply Content-Category Labels (CCLs) for sexual content, some of the previous restrictions are no longer necessary.
Previously prohibited content that is now allowed includes:
- Content deliberately highlighting breasts, buttocks, or the pelvic region, as long as it carries appropriate labels.
- Fictionalized depictions (drawn, animated, or sculpted) of fully exposed female-presenting breasts and/or genitals or buttocks are now permitted.
- Body writing on female-presenting breasts and/or buttocks is allowed.
- Erotic dances involving disrobing or disrobing gestures, such as strip teases, are now permitted.
- Popular dances like twerking, grinding, and pole dancing are allowed without labels.
However, streams labeled with specific topics such as Drugs, Intoxication, Excessive Tobacco Use, Violent and Graphic Depictions, Gambling, or Sexual Themes will be excluded from homepage recommendation shelves. This exclusion is based on the visual nature of these topics.
Twitch has streamlined its guidelines by merging Sexually Suggestive Content and Sexually Explicit Content policies into a single Sexual Content Policy. This policy outlines prohibited forms of sexual content, and any violations will result in account enforcement.
The update comes in response to consistent feedback from streamers who found the previous policies on sexual content to be unclear. By allowing more content with proper labeling, Twitch aims to strike a balance between providing creative freedom for streamers and ensuring that viewers can make informed choices about the content they choose to engage with on the platform.
