Update: 15th December
Yesterday we published a story regarding Twitch’s update to its sexual content guidelines, but after accusations of not being clear, and a host of streamers publishing questionable content to the platform, Twitch has now been forced to update its update stating the following:
“On Wednesday, we updated our Sexual Content Policy. Our primary goal in making these updates was to make our guidelines easier to understand and enforce.
Part of this update included changes to how we treat fictionalized nudity. For years, through UserVoice and in conversations, we heard from artists that our content policies were limiting. In making this update, we were trying to be responsive to these requests and allow the thriving artist community on Twitch to utilize the human form in their art.
First, we want to make clear that some streamers, in response to this update, created content that was in violation of our new policy. We’ve worked quickly to remove that content and issue channel enforcements.”
Twitch goes on to say, “So, effective today, we are rolling back the artistic nudity changes. Moving forward, depictions of real or fictional nudity won’t be allowed on Twitch, regardless of the medium. This restriction does not apply to Mature-rated games.
While I wish we would have predicted this outcome, part of our job is to make adjustments that serve the community. I apologize for the confusion that this update has caused.”
The update comes after streamers took advantage of the wording of the new conditions to stream the drawing of X-Rated material so such a point some users were accusing the service of being “like a porn site for 25 hours.” in the comments to the below which appeared on X.
We’re making some additional updates to our Sexual Content Policy. We realize that our earlier update caused confusion and appreciate all the feedback we’ve received. Thanks for always coming together with us to help build the best version of Twitch.
Check out the changes here:… https://t.co/Qj9IJLntff
— Twitch (@Twitch) December 15, 2023
13th December
Twitch has updated and clarified its policy on explicit and sexual content after a streamer was banned over the weekend for appearing to be topless in a stream.
The streamer, Morgpie, was live on the Amazon-owned streaming platform with her shoulders and collarbone visible. She received a ban from the online stream platform as a result. Speaking to Dexerto, the streamer stated that she is fully clothed, wearing a very low-cut top which is not visible on camera.
In their announcement, Twitch acknowledged their previous guidelines were confusing because there were two sections which dealt with sexually explicit content, along with further guidelines on when streamers need to label their content as including sexual themes.
The guidelines now clarify that female presenting streamers must not show their nipples on stream and that they do not permit exposed under-bust. They do allow cleavage and as a result Morgpie argues that she did not break the terms of service.
Twitch acknowledged that the previous wording of their policy resulted in female presenting users of the platform being unfairly and disproportionately penalized. As a result, some previously banned content will now be allowed with a label.
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
Twitch makes updates to the front page policy
In the updated policy, the live-streaming platform has also clarified how content is promoted to the front page. Previously, users arriving to the Twitch homepage had a chance to see thumbnails from streams that included content that was labeled as mature.
However, the website has changed its homepage recommendation algorithm so that any stream labeled Drugs, Intoxication, or Excessive Tobacco Use; Violent and Graphic Depictions; Gambling; and/or Sexual Themes will no longer be eligible for promotion on the homepage. However, streams labeled as containing profanity or mature games will not be affected and will still be included on the homepage.
The statement released says: “Making this change helps ensure that viewers will not see content they haven’t consented to see.”
Twitch launched in 2011 as a live streaming service focused on gamings. It hit 3.2 million users per month within its first year.
Three years later, Amazon parted with $970 million in cash to acquire Twitch. Today, Twitch has 140 million monthly active users (MAUs).
Featured image credit: Twitch
