New Delhi: In a recent development, X, formerly known as Twitter, has introduced new regulations allowing explicit material on its platform while restricting access to individuals under 18 or those who choose not to opt-in. This decision, reported by The Guardian, comes amid increasing pressure on social media companies to protect children from inappropriate content.
Under the new rules, users who post adult content must update their settings to ensure their images and videos are concealed behind a content warning. The platform will also automatically adjust account preferences for users who fail to label explicit content accurately. These measures align with X’s broader efforts to control the spread of violent content, aiming to reduce the presence of violent language and media on the site.
Despite these regulations, adolescents report encountering more pornographic content on X than on dedicated adult websites. This has led to criticism from Australia’s online safety regulator, who has condemned Apple and Google for allowing X on their app stores due to its adult content. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of content moderation on social media platforms.
Adding to the platform’s challenges, X is currently embroiled in a legal battle with the Australian eSafety commissioner over the management of violent material. The lawsuit, focusing on tweets related to a stabbing incident in Sydney, is set to be heard in a federal court in June.
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X’s new policy mirrors Apple’s guidelines on user-generated adult content, reflecting industry-wide standards. However, doubts persist about the platform’s ability to prevent users from bypassing these restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs).
As X navigates these regulatory and legal hurdles, the effectiveness of its new content policies in protecting young users and curbing the spread of inappropriate material remains a critical concern. The platform’s approach to balancing freedom of expression with safety and compliance will be closely watched by regulators, parents, and users worldwide.
