Twitch implements policy update prohibiting implied nudity

To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, Twitch has updated its attire policy to prohibit streamers from using implied nudity during livestreams effective January 3. The update addresses issues where some content creators utilized black censor bars or placed objects to imply full or partial nudity.

While streamers have never been allowed to be nude on the platform, the update addresses the more subtle approach of suggesting nudity. It includes the use of censor bars or items covering breasts or genitals. Twitch's content policy was prompted when Morgpie streams implying nudity. Although she’s not the first, her case highlighted a trend that blurred the lines of Twitch's Terms of Service. As a response, Twitch banned Morgpie two weeks ago and introduced updated rules addressing such content.

The policy now emphasises that streamers should not imply or suggest nudity in any form, including the actual exposure of body parts. Specifically, for streamers presenting as women, cleavage is allowed as long as nipples and underbust are covered, and it must be evident that the streamer is wearing clothing. It also dictates that areas requiring coverage must be fully opaque, eliminating the use of sheer or partially see-through clothing as a means of compliance. It addressed the concerns raised by users about thumbnails of such content being disruptive to their overall Twitch experience.

The update is effective immediately, complementing Twitch's previous amendment to its sexual content policy in December. The platform allows sexually suggestive content, but it should be within specific rules and proper labeling. Streams with sexual themes and the like will no longer appear in homepage recommendations but will remain accessible in the category browse directories.

In addition to the new attire policy, Twitch is working on features that blur thumbnails for content labeled with Sexual Themes and user settings for personalized content filtering. The platform aims to be more transparent and user-friendly while addressing challenges associated with content creation.

While these measures intend to tighten regulations and ensure safety on the platform, how streamers will adapt to the changes is still being determined. Some creators have found innovative ways to navigate previous policy adjustments, and the streaming community continues to evolve in response to the shifting landscape of content guidelines.