Elon Musk's X modifies its restrictions to formally allow adult content

According to the amended restrictions, the platform formerly known as Twitter will enable users to transmit sexualized content as long as it is consensual and explicitly labeled.

The revised policy, which was modified over the weekend, specifies that "users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed".

“Sexual expression, whether visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression,” it says.

“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.”

According to the policy, children and adult users who prefer not to see graphic material will have limited exposure, and users will not be permitted to transmit materials "promoting exploitation, nonconsent, objectification, sexualization or harm to minors, and obscene behaviours."

The shift, first reported by TechCrunch, formalizes Musk's generally lenient attitude toward sexual content, which predates his acquisition of Twitter in October 2022.

Unlike Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, Twitter has never explicitly prohibited nudity and sexualised content.

Under Musk's leadership, X has significantly reduced moderation on the site and reinstated previously banned users, such as those of former US President Donald Trump and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

Musk has claimed that he is protecting free speech, but detractors accuse the Tesla CEO of fostering hate speech and misinformation.