X's Clarification of Adult Content Policy Triggers International Confusion

X's Clarification of Adult Content Policy Triggers International Confusion

JAKARTA, Indonesia — X’s recent clarification of its adult content policies has created confusion in countries with strict anti-porn laws, such as Indonesia, especially considering that X owner Elon Musk has stated that the limits of his “free speech absolutism” for the platform formerly known as Twitter are the laws of each country.

As XBIZ reported, earlier this month X updated its adult content rules, aiming to clarify how NSFW content may be posted and viewed.

The new policy states that users “may share consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior, provided it’s properly labeled and not prominently displayed.” 

The policy also established a specific “Adult Content” warning, instead of the generic “Sensitive Media” label.

“We believe that users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed,” the policy statement explained. “Sexual expression, whether visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression. 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.”

But in countries like Indonesia, where all sexual expression is considered obscene and heavily criminalized, X’s new explicitly stated policies — which merely clarify standards that have long been the status quo for the platform — have had the collateral result of flagging the dormant issue of “porn on Twitter” to local authorities.

Indonesia’s Communications and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said last week that X “has to abide by the country’s laws, which prohibit the dissemination of pornographic content, if it does not want to be sanctioned or banned,” the Straits Times reported.

Indonesia currently blocks Reddit, Steam and even PayPal, considering them officially “problematic online platforms.”

On Monday, Setiadi announced that he had sent an official letter to X, “conveying his concerns, and reiterated that Indonesia will block access to the platform if it displays such content,” the report added.

As of publication, X has not offered a response.

Though adult industry stakeholders report that not much has changed in their access to and relationship with X after the policy clarification, concerns remain about the potential for geoblocks of areas where adult content is currently prohibited. 

Those concerns seem borne out by Musk’s past statement that the platform would “respect the speech laws of each country” so that the platform he purchased in October 2022 will not become “a free-for-all hellscape,” the Financial Times reported.

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

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, the latest edition of Europe’s biggest adult industry conference, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel in Amsterdam.

Sara Jay, Dan Leal to Sponsor XBIZ Amsterdam Kick-Off Event

Sara Jay’s Wyde Syde Productions and Porno Dan Leal’s Market64 will co-sponsor the Bottoms Up Day Drinking kick-off event for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025 at Excalibur Café on Sept. 2, from 2-4 p.m. (CET).

AEBN Publishes Report on DP Trends

AEBN has published a report on DP and extreme penetration categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Show More