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It's clear that Threads, the new social media app developed by Meta, has sparked a significant amount of controversy and concern, particularly among sex workers and creators of adult-oriented content. The primary issue lies in Threads' strict content guidelines, which closely mirror those of its parent platform, Instagram. These guidelines explicitly prohibit the posting of Not Safe for Work (NSFW) content, including nudity and sexually explicit material.
Threads was launched with the intention of rivaling Twitter, a platform known for its more relaxed rules on adult content. However, Threads' stringent policies have led many to question its potential as a viable alternative to Twitter. The app's guidelines state: “We don’t allow nudity on Instagram. This includes photos, videos, and some digitally-created content that show sexual intercourse and genitals.” The guidelines further advise users to post photos and videos that are safe for a diverse audience, citing that some users may be "sensitive" to explicit content.
The consequences of violating these guidelines can be severe. They range from the removal of the offending content to the disabling or termination of the user's account. In some cases, users may even be prevented from accessing other Meta products or sharing their content across Meta's portfolio of platforms.
Here is a brief list of what you can and cannot post on Threads in terms of NSFW content:
You cannot post:
- Photos, videos, or digitally-created content that depict sexual intercourse.
- Imagery that shows genitals.
- Close-ups of bare buttocks.
- Any other content that would generally be considered NSFW.
You can post:
- Artistic or creative images that contain nudity.
- Photos of female nipples in the context of breastfeeding, health-related situations, or birth-giving.
- Nudity in paintings and sculptures.
However, it's important to note that enforcement of these guidelines can sometimes be inconsistent, and content that falls into a gray area may still be censored or lead to account suspension. Therefore, it's recommended to err on the side of caution when posting potentially NSFW content on Threads.
The strict NSFW content restrictions policy has led to criticism from sex workers and creators of adult content, who argue that these restrictions limit their freedom of expression and potential earning capacity. Some have even expressed concerns that Threads could negatively impact their business. The lack of NSFW content on Threads has been cited as a significant reason why the platform may not be able to truly rival Twitter.
While Threads may offer a new social media experience with its focus on text-based content and connection with Instagram, its strict NSFW policy poses significant challenges for sex workers and creators of adult content. As a result, these groups may need to seek alternative platforms that offer greater freedom of expression and are more accommodating of their content.
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