Twitch, the popular streaming platform, has updated its sexual content guidelines to ban "implied nudity." The new policy, which takes effect immediately, aims to address a trend where streamers were using censor bars and strategic camera framing to create the impression of nudity. Twitch specifies that streamers must not be, or appear to be, fully or partially nude and that the outline of genitals is not allowed even when covered. This policy update follows a previous change that permitted artistic nudity if correctly labeled, which Twitch then reversed due to AI-generated explicit images. Twitch's attire policy now requires streamers who present as women to cover nipples and underbust, while everyone must cover areas from hips to lower pelvis and buttocks. This change is part of Twitch's ongoing efforts to regulate content and maintain a community standard.

What does Twitch's new policy say about attire and nudity during streams?

The updated policy specifies that streamers are not allowed to be or imply that they are nude by covering genitals or breasts with objects or censor bars. Streamers who present as women must cover their nipples and underbust, while other streamers need to cover the area from the hips to the bottom of the pelvis and buttocks. The outline of genitals, even when covered, is also prohibited.

Twitch, owned by Amazon since 2014, is a video live streaming service known for its community of gamers but also includes streams dedicated to artwork creation, music, talk shows, and more. The platform has gone through a series of content policy updates over the years, each aiming to shape the culture of the community and respond to various trends that surface within the user base. These policy updates are part of a broader conversation across multiple online platforms about content regulation and the balance between creative expression and community standards.