NEWS  News  January 4, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Twitch has recently implemented changes to its attire policy, specifically targeting streamers engaged in what the platform terms as "implied nudity". This move comes as an effort to maintain a balance between providing creative freedom to content creators and ensuring a comfortable viewing experience for the diverse user base.

The updated policy, outlined by Twitch's chief customer trust officer Angela Hession, requires streamers to adhere to new guidelines. Clothing or body coverage must be "fully opaque", eliminating any possibility of "sheer or partially see-through" attire. The policy also introduces specific category tags, such as "Pools, Hot Tubs, and Beaches," for streamers broadcasting from aquatic settings.

A significant aspect of the policy focuses on the labeling and categorization of content. While streams labeled with the "Sexual Themes" tag are not displayed on the home page, they remain accessible within category browse directories. Hession notes in a post:

"We recognize that many users frequent these pages to find content on Twitch, and disruptive thumbnails can impact their experience."

The comprehensive attire policy explicitly prohibits streamers from being fully or partially nude, suggesting nudity, or covering genitals with objects or censor bars. Cleavage is allowed, but underbust exposure is restricted. The guidelines also emphasize the need to cover specific areas, extending from hips to the bottom of the pelvis and buttocks. To address concerns about explicit thumbnails, Twitch developers are working on the ability to blur thumbnails for streams labeled with Sexual Themes. Additionally, new search filters for content classification label preferences are in the pipeline, aiming to enhance user control over their viewing experience.

This move follows Twitch's decision in December to reverse a policy update allowing depictions of "fictionalized nudity" if appropriately labeled. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy acknowledged the challenges of regulating digital depictions of nudity, emphasizing the difficulty in distinguishing between digital art and photography.

The evolving nature of Twitch's policies reflects a delicate balance between supporting content creators and maintaining a platform that caters to a diverse audience. As Angela Hession describes it, it's a "meta" or a constant struggle similar to balancing a competitive multiplayer game. The recent changes underscore the platform's commitment to adapting policies in response to user feedback and industry challenges.

While these updates may not resonate as the sexiest way to discuss sexual content, they open up a broader conversation about how online platforms navigate mature content without infringing upon age ratings or crossing societal taboos. As the discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how platforms like Twitch will continue to adapt their policies to the evolving landscape of online content creation.

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