Elon Musk’s X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, has officially updated its usage policies to allow adult content, albeit with some restrictions. This update marks a notable change in the platform’s approach to adult material, aiming to balance freedom of expression with protection for minors and users who opt out of viewing such content.

The recent policy update from X states, “You may share consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior, provided it’s properly labeled and not prominently displayed.” This change was first noted by TechCrunch and reflects a broader acceptance of adult content on the platform, which already allowed pornography before Musk’s acquisition.

“We believe that users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed,” the update reads. “Sexual expression, whether visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression. We believe in the autonomy of adults to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality.”

Despite the allowance of adult content, X’s Adult Content Policy includes specific restrictions to mitigate potential risks. The platform prohibits content that promotes exploitation, non-consent, objectification, sexualization, or harm to minors, as well as obscene behaviors. Additionally, adult content is not permitted in highly visible areas such as profile photos or banners.

To ensure compliance, users who regularly post adult content are encouraged to adjust their media settings. This adjustment will place all images and videos behind a content warning that must be acknowledged before viewing. This setting can be enabled under “Privacy and safety > Your posts,” where users can mark their media as containing potentially sensitive material. Users also have the option to add a one-time content warning on individual posts. Importantly, users under 18 or those without a birth date on their profile cannot view posts marked for adult content.

“If you continue to fail to mark your posts, we will adjust your account settings for you,” X warns in the policy update. Users can report unmarked adult content or other violations using the app’s reporting features, and they may appeal decisions if they believe a mistake has been made.

Brooke Erin Duffy, an associate professor of communication at Cornell University, noted that this policy shift aligns with X’s post-Musk marketing strategy. “X is unapologetically provocative and has sought to distinguish itself from ‘brand-safe’ competitors like Meta, YouTube, and TikTok,” Duffy stated. “With X’s recent policy update, the company seems to be courting those workers — including creators and artists — who have been marginalized by platform guidelines that tend to restrict nudity or sexual expression.”

Before Musk’s takeover, Twitter was already a platform where adult content was prevalent. According to a Reuters report in October 2022, approximately 13% of all posts on Twitter contained adult material. The new policy under Musk’s leadership formally acknowledges and regulates this aspect of the platform.

X defines “adult content” as any “consensually produced and distributed material depicting adult nudity or sexual behavior that is pornographic or intended to cause sexual arousal.” This definition extends to AI-generated, photographic, or animated content, including cartoons, hentai, or anime. Examples cited include depictions of “full or partial nudity, including closeups of genitals, buttocks or breasts” and “explicit or implied sexual behavior or simulated acts such as sexual intercourse and other sexual acts.”

This policy update by X is expected to have significant implications for content creators and users alike. By formally allowing adult content with clear guidelines, X is positioning itself distinctively in the social media landscape. The move may attract creators who feel constrained by stricter platforms while emphasizing the importance of user responsibility and platform safeguards.

As X continues to evolve under Musk’s leadership, the balance between freedom of expression and protective measures will remain a focal point. The platform’s approach to adult content could set new precedents in the social media industry, influencing how other platforms manage and regulate similar content.