Twitch has published a shocking update to its policies that will see the rules around nudity and lewd content relaxed across the platform. This comes following the banning of several users for streaming ‘topless content’, which drew backlash from the streamers themselves and their communities. In what is being labelled as a method of avoiding confusion and ‘grey areas’, Twitch will now allow things like twerking, erotic dancing, artistic nudity, and body writing.
For some, this is a step backwards, as it’s bringing more nudity and lewd imagery onto a platform that was, once upon a time, reserved almost solely for gaming. It can be argued that Twitch is the home of esports broadcasts, playing host to some of the biggest esports tournaments in the world. Now, alongside that, it’ll also be a more readily available go-to destination for those wanting to broadcast half-nude, erotic, and suggestive content without any repercussions.
Twitch’s Policies Are Being Relaxed
Under the new, relaxed policies, some previously restricted content is now permitted on Twitch – but there’s a caveat. If a streamer wants to twerk, for example, they’ll need to label their content accordingly. This is being branded ‘Allowed With Label’, and it’ll mean that the adult-themed content is essentially kept away from Twitch’s homepage. If a streamer ignores that new ruling and broadcasts lewd content without the correct labels, they might have classifications and labels forced on their content.
But they won’t be suspended. That’s the huge sticking point with the community, as there are effectively no consequences for flouting these new Twitch rules.
Here’s what’s now permissible under the refreshed Twitch rules:
Content that ‘deliberately highlights breasts, buttocks, or the pelvic region’
Fictionalised, fully exposed female-presenting breasts and/or genitals or buttocks, regardless of gender
Body writing on female-presenting breasts and or buttocks
Erotic dances that involve disrobing
Dances, such as twerking, grinding, and pole dancing
Content with a focus on fictionalised sexual body parts
In a statement, ‘Morgpie’, a streamer recently hit with a ban following a ‘pseudo-topless’ stream, said:
‘It gives creators much more freedom, while also keeping this content from reaching the wrong audience. Bravo, Twitch!’
Reportedly, these new rules will avoid the ‘over-penalisation’ of female streamers, and they’ll address a lot of the confusion that existed around the original rule set. However, there are holes in the plan going forward. For instance, Twitch has stressed that while thumbnails revealing this content will be removed from the top page, they won’t be removed from the ‘left bar’ of the homepage. This section recommends streamers but doesn’t offer a stream preview, so you might still be prompted to view this content from the home page.
Finally, it’s worth stressing that at several points in the article that revealed these new rules, Twitch stated that it draws the line at sexual activities. That’s where the buck stops with Twitch – for now.
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