X allows consensual adult nudity, pornographic content under updated policy

X (formerly Twitter) now officially allows users to post, view and share adult nudity and sexual content under new formalized policies.

Under its updated policy, Elon Musk's social media platform will allow consensually produced and distributed adult pornographic content so long as its "properly labeled and not prominently displayed."

"Sexual expression, whether visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression," the platform's policy states. "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."

The platform will still prohibit pornographic content that is exploitative, nonconsensual or promotes objectification, obscene behaviors or the sexualization or harm to minors. It also prevents adult content from being used for profile pictures, banners and other publicly visible places.

Policy applies for AI and animated content

X allows adult nudity or sexual content that is AI-generated, photographic or animated, according to its policy.

The company defines "adult content" as any depictions of "full or partial nudity, including close-ups of genitals, buttocks, or breasts." Explicit or implied sexual behavior or simulated acts like sexual intercourse are also considered adult content.

Users under 18 or viewers who do not provide a birth date for their profile will be unable to click to view posts marked as adult content, per the policy.

Users required to add content warnings to adult content

X is urging accounts that regularly post adult content on the platform to adjust their media settings to automatically add a content warning to their posts. Content warnings require users to acknowledge they are about to see a NSFW post.

The platform also encourages users to add one-time content warnings for individual posts. Users who fail to mark their posts will have their account settings adjusted for them, the policy states.

The company already allowed porn when it still went by Twitter ahead of its 2023 rebranding. Company estimates revealed about 13% of all its content featured adult content, according to an October 2022 Reuters report.