Tumblr Welcomes Back Nudity, But Not 'Sexually Explicit Acts'

Tumblr Welcomes Back Nudity, But Not 'Sexually Explicit Acts'

NEW YORK — Tumblr unveiled its new community guidelines today, announcing that the platform now welcomes “a broader range of expression, creativity and art” including “the naked human form.”

As XBIZ reported, in late September Tumblr introduced a new feature enabling users to label posts as featuring “sexual themes,” defined as content which “contains sexually suggestive subject matter, such as erotic writing or imagery.”

Like today’s new community guidelines, that news was shared via a post on Tumblr's staff blog.

A week later, Matt Mullenweg — CEO of Automattic, the company that owns Tumblr — explained in an extensive blogpost that he thinks it is currently impossible for the internet to be “porn-friendly” because, among other reasons, “credit card companies are anti-porn.”

Automattic, which also owns popular blogging software WordPress, acquired a failing Tumblr from Verizon in 2019, after the platform’s numbers crumbled following its deletion of all adult content.

In his post, titled “Why ‘Go Nuts, Show Nuts’ Doesn’t Work in 2022,” Mullenweg described himself as “personally extremely libertarian in terms of what consenting adults should be able to share” but expressed his view that “no modern internet service in 2022 can have the rules that Tumblr did in 2007.”

'Sexually Explicit Acts' Still Verboten

Today’s announcement of the new community guidelines expanded on the earlier news by noting, “even if your creations contain nudity, mature subject matter, or sexual themes, you can now share them on Tumblr using the appropriate Community Label so that everyone remains in control of the types of content they see on their dash.”

However, other anti-sexual-expression content policies established in 2018 will remain the same, as the new post clarified by listing legal, consensual sex acts alongside other prohibited content.

“We still don’t allow hate, spam, violent threats, or anything illegal and visual depictions of sexually explicit acts remain off-limits on Tumblr,” the post noted, adding, “if you want to know more about that, our CEO Matt recently explained why it’s not feasible for us to safely and successfully support porn communities at this time.”

Should users come across content that falls under those categories — a list that lumps legal, consensual sex in with hate and violence — Tumblr asks that they report it.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More