Live streaming platform Twitch Announcement of updated policies related to the classification of “sexual content”relaxing the processing standards for “sexual themes” tags. Previously prohibited complete nudity of non-real characters, body art, various dances (striptease, twerking, intimate dancing and pole dancing), etc., are now allowed with the correct tags. .
In recent years, Twitch has continued to work hard to control nudity and sexually themed content. However, due to unclear judgment standards, inconsistent and confusing reasons for account sanctions have occurred. Virtual characters (paintings, animations, sculptures, etc.) are also prohibited from exposing their genitals, breasts, and other content during live broadcasts. buttocks, leading the artist community to criticize official policies as overreaching.
In order to be closer to the needs of users, Twitch stated that some content types that were prohibited in the past can now be allowed to be broadcast if the Content Classification Label (CCL) launched in June this year is appropriately added. “This revision ensures that viewers will not see Content you don’t want to watch.”
Schematic diagram of virtual character twerking
According to the official announcement, non-realistic sexual behavior or masturbation is still prohibited, and topics that were previously prohibited but can now be presented with tags:
- Content that intentionally highlights the breasts, buttocks, or crotch area, even if covered by clothing.
- Artistic depictions of nudity (including sexual organ focus)
Twitch recognizes that it is difficult for live streamers to determine what is prohibited and what is allowed, and the assessment of whether a live content violates policy is often subjective. In addition, the adjustment was made after the previous Sexually Suggestive Content Policy was out of step with industry standards, resulting in disproportionate penalties for streamers who displayed female characteristics.
- Non-realistic characters (such as paintings, animations or sculptural figures) with full nudity of female features, breasts and/or genitals or buttocks, regardless of gender.
- Write on feminine breasts and/or buttocks, regardless of gender. (Twitch clothing policy allows body art on breasts and buttocks)
- Erotic dance involving stripping or undressing positions, such as a striptease show.
- Twerking, intimate dancing and pole dancing can now be played without tagging, and the filming of such live content is only prohibited in adult entertainment venues.
Although Twitch is relaxing some restrictions on sexual content, leading netizens to praise the evolution of “OnlyTwitch,” the platform does not open the door to sexually themed games, sexual violence, or pornographic games.
There are two ways to deal with in-game nudity. The first is to completely ban games and MODs that focus or feature “nudity, pornographic content, sexual behavior, or sexual violence.” Unreviewed updates (patches) will also be banned.
Secondly, nudity is not the core focus or feature of the game. As long as the “restricted game” content rating label is used, occasional nudity is allowed. But if nudity is really the focus of the game, then the “sexual theme” tag must be applied.
In addition, some gentlemen’s games allow for intercourse with others. Twitch calls on “users not to engage in simulated sex or pornographic role-playing with other players in online games.” Player-created, RPG or VR interactive games must not violate this policy. .
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
