The fight against sexual content on Twitch is entering the next round. The new rules are now intended to prevent popular gray areas such as the censor bar meta
After Twitch relaxed its guidelines for nudity a few weeks ago and failed so (spectacularly) that the changes had to be withdrawn less than 48 hours later, the streaming platform has now presented its latest set of rules.
As Angela Hession, Chief Customer Trust Officer, explains in a (blog post) the new clothing standard prohibits not only actual nudity, but also any suggestion or appearance that streamers may be fully or partially unclothed.
Concretely, the following applies with immediate effect:
- Streamers may not be fully or partially nude, including the depiction of genitals or buttocks.
- It is not permitted to imply or suggest nudity, for example by covering breasts or genitals with objects or censor bars.
- Visible outlines of the genitals are prohibited even when covered.
- Streaming of naked or partially naked minors is prohibited under all circumstances.
For persons presenting themselves as women:
- The nipples must be covered and the underbust area must not be exposed.
- Cleavage is permitted as long as the coverage requirements are met and it is clearly recognizable that the streamer is wearing clothing.
With the new rules, Twitch hopes to close gray areas that have recently been repeatedly exploited by border crossers. However, if loopholes are found, the trial & error game for the correct wording of the guidelines is likely to continue.
Rule changes follow ironic Joy-Con meta
The changes follow a small protest movement by male Twitch streamers who made fun of the implied nudity of female streamers like Morgpie. In the so-called Joy-Con meta, the streamers implied nudity through the use of censor bars, behind which they then played games demonstratively with their Joy-Cons – which could of course also be a euphemism for something else. But see for yourself:
I aint ever tuning into a Tectone stream ever again. pic.twitter.com/xXasPWbC31
– Box2 (@BoxTwice_) December 22, 2023
Nudity on Twitch is now a thing of the past for the time being. At least until streamers discover the next loophole. How should Twitch react to such provocative metas? Is it time for stricter measures or should creative freedom be preserved? Share your opinion in the comments!
