Last month, Twitch updated its sexual content policies allowing previously prohibited content so long as it was labeled properly. However, two days later, part of it was rescinded, allowing for “artistic nudity.” After this change, creators continued to push the boundaries of the new policy finding ways to suggest that they were partially or fully nude, like positioning a certain way on camera to indicate they are nude or covering up with censor bars. Now, as of today, Twitch has updated its attire policy to prohibit implied nudity while streaming on Twitch.
“This update is in response to a recent meta on Twitch in which streamers use black censor bars or other items to block their bodies or clothing, or position the camera frame such that the viewer is led to believe that the streamer is fully or partially nude. While most streamers have labeled this content appropriately with the Sexual Themes label and are wearing clothing behind the object or outside the camera frame, for many users, the thumbnails of this content can be disruptive to their experience on Twitch. While content labeled with the Sexual Themes label isn’t displayed on the home page, this content is displayed within the category browse directories, and we recognize that many users frequent these pages to find content on Twitch. This update goes into effect today,” Chief Customer Trust Officer Angela Hession wrote in a blog post.
Hession noted “For those areas of the body where coverage is required, the coverage must be fully opaque; sheer or partially see-through clothing does not constitute coverage.” Hession also noted that streamers must appropriately categorize their content. Repeated failure to appropriately classify a stream will lead to an enforcement action.
“Our goal, with this and other recent changes, is to make Twitch a safe and welcoming place for all of the communities that call it home, improve the clarity of our policies, and ensure that people have the experience they expect when spending time on Twitch. We are currently working on the ability to blur thumbnails for content labeled using the Sexual Themes label, plus user settings that will allow a user to filter their Twitch viewing experience based upon their preferences for content labeled with Content Classification Labels (CCL),” Hession said.
The updated Attire Policy now reads (new language in bold):
We don’t permit streamers to be fully or partially nude, including exposing genitals or buttocks. Nor do we permit streamers to imply or suggest that they are fully or partially nude, including, but not limited to, covering breasts or genitals with objects or censor bars. We do not permit the visible outline of genitals, even when covered. Broadcasting nude or partially nude minors is always prohibited, regardless of context.
For those who present as women, we ask that you cover your nipples and do not expose underbust. Cleavage is unrestricted as long as these coverage requirements are met and it is clear that the streamer is wearing clothing.
For all streamers, you must cover the area extending from your hips to the bottom of your pelvis and buttocks.