X updates policy on sensitive media and adult content

X has updated its policy regarding sensitive materials and adult content. The new version of the policy, published in January, includes updates and clarification of language, making it clear to users that they must apply a sensitive content warning to media. 

The changes feature a simplification of language to help users navigate the policy.

X already prohibits the promotion of adult sexual content globally. This includes a range of content such as pornography, full and partial nudity, penis enlargement and breast enhancement services, sexualized clothing, sex toys, and dating/matching services focused on facilitating monetized sexual encounters or infidelity.

X's sensitive media policy aims to balance users' freedom to share sensitive content with the ability for others to avoid it. Users are allowed to post content falling under categories like Graphic Content, Adult Nudity, and Sexual Behavior, but must use a content warning. However, such media cannot be shared in live videos, profile pictures or headers, list banners, or community cover photos.

The policy states:

"You may post content that falls under our definitions of Graphic Content, Adult Nudity, and Sexual Behavior with a content warning, but you may not share this media in a live video, or in your profile picture or header, List banner, or Community cover photo.

"If you share this content on X, you need to mark your media or your account as sensitive. Doing so places images and videos behind a content warning that needs to be acknowledged before your media can be viewed.

"You can share Graphic Content, Adult Nudity, and Sexual Behavior within your posts, provided that you mark this media with a content warning." 

The enforcement approach varies based on the type of media and where it is shared. For Graphic Content, Adult Nudity, and Sexual Behavior, the platform may require removal of the content, limit exposure of posts depicting such content, or take action under the Abuse & Harassment policy.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story claimed that there was an update to X's advertising policy. It is only X's sensitive content policy that has been updated.