Twitch reverses change to nudity content guidelines after massive controversy

Twitch has done a U-turn on its guidelines for nudity on the site after a recent update sparked controversy among users.

If you're a Twitch user, you might be aware of the rollercoaster ride you've inadvertently strapped yourself into this week.

It all started over the weekend, when Twitch streamer Morpie seemed to appear on the streaming site topless, with her collarbones and shoulders on show.

The streamer was consequently banned for violating the guidelines on nudity, but after she revealed she had been wearing a low-cut bandeau top, Twitch announced some updates to its platform.

The site announced that provided they were appropriately labelled, it would start to allow streams which 'deliberately highlight breasts, buttocks or pelvic region’, even when 'fully clothed', as well as 'fictionalized (drawn, animated, or sculpted) fully exposed female-presenting breasts and/or genitals or buttocks regardless of gender'.

The site also announced that content with a 'focus on fictionalizated... sexual body parts' would be allowed with a 'Sexual Themes Label'.

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Just two days later, Twitch shared another update today (15 December), which stated that it would be reversing some of its newly-announced policy updates.

In a post, the streamer called attention to its approach to fictionalized nudity, saying: "For years, through UserVoice and in conversations, we heard from artists that our content policies were limiting.

"In making this update, we were trying to be responsive to these requests and allow the thriving artist community on Twitch to utilize the human form in their art."

However, after announcing that fictionalized nudity would be permitted, Twitch found that streamers began to make content in violation of the policy, as well as content which was permitted.

X/Twitch

Twitch has worked quickly to remove the prohibited content, but it noted that even with the content that was allowed, much of it 'has been met with community concern'.

"These are concerns we share," the streaming site said.

"Upon reflection, we have decided that we went too far with this change. Digital depictions of nudity present a unique challenge–AI can be used to create realistic images, and it can be hard to distinguish between digital art and photography.

"So, effective today, we are rolling back the artistic nudity changes."

The site clarified that depictions of real or fictional nudity will not be allowed on the site, regardless of the medium.

"This restriction does not apply to Mature-rated games," it added.

The post, written by Twitch's Dan Clancy, concluded: "While I wish we would have predicted this outcome, part of our job is to make adjustments that serve the community. I apologize for the confusion that this update has caused."