X soon to be associated with X-rated as Elon Musk allows adult content on the site.

X logo for social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Elon Musk's X formerly known as Twitter, will officially allow "adult and graphic content" on the social media platform. The site's rules have been updated to allow for this type of content.

Adult content and nudity had always been shared on Twitter for many years because the platform — unlike Facebook or Instagram — never explicitly banned that content, even before Musk took over the company in late 2022.

Guidelines

X headquarters in San Francisco displays
a giant glowing X logo at the top of the building.

The new guidelines, first reported by Tech Crunch on Monday (June 3, 2024), clearly state that users are permitted to share adult content "as long as it is consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behaviour". Which means the content has to be recorded and distributed with the parties involved permission and/or knowledge.

X updated the guidelines over the weekend, stating that "sexual expression, visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression".

Under the new policy, posting adult content is formally within the rules as long as it is labelled as such and not prominently displayed, for example in profile pictures or account banners.

Accounts that regularly post adult content will be required to automatically mark their image and video posts as sensitive content.

Adult content will also be prohibited for users identified as children or adult users who choose not to view it.

The policy extends to AI-generated content, animations, cartoons, hentai and anime.

Rules for clarity on 'X' policy

X’s safety team tweeted the new guidelines would "bring more clarity to our rules and transparency into enforcement of these areas".

Since acquiring Twitter in 2022 with the stated intention of promoting free speech, Musk has faced criticism for slashing content moderation teams.

Under his ownership, the platform has reinstated the account of former US President Donald Trump.

Musk says he also aims to expand X’s revenue base beyond advertising and transform it into a “super app” similar to China’s WeChat, which integrates messaging, voice and video calling, social media, mobile payments and online booking services.