Twitch update its policy on sexual content

With its new streamlined policy, Twitch has become more relaxed in its approach to policing sexual content.

The Amazon-owned corporation has officially changed its policies regarding sexual content on its platform, bringing significant changes for streamers, in response to the public outcry against the new “topless” paradigm. The recently updated Twitch Sexual Content Policy allows sexual content that was previously restricted to be streamed on the platform, as long as it is appropriately tagged to prevent it from being viewed by children.

We’ve gotten feedback that our policies around sexual content are unclear so we’ve drawn clearer boundaries between what is & isn’t permitted on Twitch.

We also recognize that not everyone wants to see certain content, so we’re updating our criteria for homepage recommendations. pic.twitter.com/rvZ4kFADR6

— Twitch (@Twitch) December 13, 2023

 

Regarding the modifications to the video game nudity regulations, games that use sexual material as their primary gameplay element or feature are still severely prohibited on this platform.  The Mature-rated Games CCL should suffice for video games that contain incidental nudity.  However, the Sexual Theme CCL needs to be applied to those with a significant quantity of explicit content.

Twitch’s new policy on sexual content

The whole drama erupted on December 8 after OnlyFans model Morgpie went viral for her apparent topless appearance on a stream. Though she was quickly banned, the incident generated discussion among users and appeared to prompt Twitch to clarify its policies. Twitch has responded by drastically changing how it handles “Sexual Content”.

Streamers are now permitted to create more sexual content than previously under the new adult content policy, but only if they follow specific rules, such as utilizing the appropriate Content Classification Label (CCL) for the Sexual Theme. Since their introduction earlier this year, CCLs have restricted content that is inappropriate for all audiences by requesting the user’s express approval before broadcasting the livestream.

As a result, explicit content creators should now be able to stream on Twitch regularly without fear of strikes or bans, as long as the video is appropriately labeled and does not contain anything that is still off the table. Additionally, some dances are now permitted to stream on Twitch without a label, including “twerking, grinding, and pole dancing.”

Twitch will notify streamers whether their video requires the correct label, which will ease their concerns about incorrectly labeling their stream. If there are recurring violations, the administrators also hold the authority to alter your stream’s CCL and therefore confine your broadcast to a certain label. But according to Twitch, mislabeling your stream won’t get you banned.

Moreover, Twitch will exclude all adult material from its home page suggestions, including gambling, drugs, intoxication, and excessive tobacco use, according to the official blog post announcing the platform’s policy changes. Even if opinions seem to be divided right now, a lot of users are pleased with the improvements made to the homepage of the website.

Header: Twitch