Elon Musk's X tweaks policies to officially allow adult, NSFW content

The world's richest person Elon Musk's social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, now allows adult and not-safe-for-work (NSFW) content after introducing tweaks to previous policies.

According to TechCrunch, X, over the weekend, added clauses to its rules, formally allowing users to post adult and graphic content on the platform as long as it is consensual and clearly labelled.

The company reassured users that exposure to graphic material will be restricted for children and adult users who choose not to see it.

The policy emphasised that users will not be allowed to share content "promoting exploitation, nonconsent, objectification, sexualization or harm to minors, and obscene behaviours".

"We believe in the autonomy of adults to engage with and create content that reflects their own beliefs, desires, and experiences, including those related to sexuality. We balance this freedom by restricting exposure to Adult Content for children or adult users who choose not to see it," X's page on "adult content" policies read.

This formalises a somewhat accepting stance towards adult content that existed before Musk, 52, acquired Twitter in October 2022.

Unlike Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, Twitter has never expressly banned nudity and sexualised content.

Under Musk's tenure, X has dramatically scaled back moderation on the platform and reinstated previously banned accounts.

Musk has argued that he is upholding freedom of speech, but critics have accused the Tesla CEO of encouraging hate speech and misinformation.