X, formerly known as Twitter, is reshaping its stance on explicit content under the leadership of Elon Musk. Recent policy implementations flagged content deemed Not Safe For Work (NSFW) as “sensitive material.” This move has notably curbed the outreach of various accounts, especially those belonging to adult content creators.
Despite not always receiving official notifications of being flagged, numerous individuals in this industry observed a significant drop in their engagement metrics. Screenshots provided to Rolling Stone revealed that X has potentially obscured certain posts with warnings. This action additionally bars these accounts from timelines such as ‘For You’ and ‘Following,’ alongside recommendations and trending sections.
Mistress Rogue, a notable figure in the adult content creator community, expressed disillusionment with X’s revamped guidelines, contemplating unsubscribing due to the seeming futility of her investment.
Previously, many individuals in this industry had gravitated towards Twitter Blue, anticipating that a subscription might shield them from the platform’s shadowbanning and bias. The decision to subscribe was crucial for many in the industry to ensure their presence was maintained, despite not necessarily agreeing with Musk’s vision for the platform.
Twitter, prior to its rebranding to X, was renowned for its open attitude towards explicit content. For years, it served as a sanctuary for individuals in this industry, enabling them to network, exchange resources, and amplify their services. The platform’s ethos was profoundly shaped by adult content creators and escorts who significantly contributed to its traffic and meme culture. However, with the transition to X, the platform seems to be veering away from its inclusive past, adopting a stricter posture on content that bears nudity or explicit undertones.
The shift in X’s content guidelines underscores the constantly evolving dynamics of social media platforms and their broader societal implications. As platforms grow and change, it’s essential to strike a balance that respects the diverse communities that helped shape their success.