X Tests New Feature to Hide Adult Content in 'NSFW' Groups

Elon Musk's rebranded social networking X is testing a new feature aimed at managing adult content within its user-generated communities. The move comes amid growing concerns over the proliferation of explicit material on the platform (via Bloomberg).

According to screenshots uncovered by Daniel Buchuk, an analyst at Watchful, the new feature enables users to create or join groups specifically centered around adult content or material deemed "not safe for work" (NSFW).

Members creating these communities have the option to designate their group as containing adult-sensitive content. Failure to label such groups may result in content filtering or removal by the platform.

Adult Content Groups on X

While the possibility of requiring age verification for access to adult-themed groups remains uncertain, X's existing policies already dictate restrictions on graphic media, adult nudity, and sexual behavior for users under 18 or those without a verified birth date on their profile.

The decision to introduce NSFW groups reflects X's attempt to differentiate itself from mainstream social networking services. Since acquiring Twitter, Musk has been pushing for an 'everything app' capable of hosting practically any non-illegal content.

It is important to note that X allows posts regarding sexual behavior if users label them as sensitive, but it prohibits adult content in live videos and profile images.

Bloomberg notes that adult content existed on Twitter before owner Elon Musk took control and executives at the time even explored developing an OnlyFans-style subscription service for adult content creators back in 2022.

According to The Verge, Twitter dropped the plan because the company was not prepared to monitor "harmful sexual content," including child porn.

(Photo : ALAIN JOCARD / AFP)

TOPSHOT - The new Twitter logo rebranded as X, is pictured in Paris on July 24, 2023, on the account of it's owner Elon Musk, after he changed his profile picture late on July 23, 2023, to the company's new logo, which he described as "minimalist art deco," and updated his Twitter bio to "X.com," which now redirects to twitter.com.

Officials Alarmed by Adult Content on X

In light of increased scrutiny over online safety, particularly for young users, US lawmakers have intensified efforts to safeguard online content. Linda Yaccarino of X, as well as the CEOs of other social media companies, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in January, as lawmakers and parents grew more concerned with the effects of social media on young users.

However, amid these developments, concerns have mounted regarding the proliferation of adult content on X. A grassroots social media campaign with the hashtag #BanPornonX has emerged from Nigeria, urging Elon Musk to take decisive action to curb explicit material on X. This campaign reflects the growing unease among users regarding the platform's content moderation policies.

Reports from Belgian regulators further underscore the severity of the issue. The French-speaking Belgian Audiovisual Regulator (CSA) has raised alarms over X's transformation into a platform increasingly characterized by pornographic content.

Utilizing artificial intelligence tools to monitor content, the CSA identified a significant number of accounts dedicated to disseminating explicit material, with many operating from Belgium's French-speaking region of Wallonia.

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