After topless controversy, Twitch revises its definition of “artistic nudity”

The streaming platform Twitch has modified its terms of use in response to a recent controversy. In early December, a streamer and Onlyfans user known as Morgpie appeared live on her channel, with a camera angle that suggested she was not wearing a shirt.

For this reason, she was banned from the platform, as were other streamers recently offering the same type of content, some of whom demonstrated on camera that they were actually dressed.

“Artistic nudity”

But the platform has since modified its usage rules by allowing a broader spectrum of what can be considered erotic content, as long as said content is correctly labeled as “artistic nudity.” A way for Twitch to strengthen and above all clarify its rules regarding nudity and eroticism in the face of the new trend of “topless” streaming, as mentioned on the platform.

Thus, it is now possible to offer content that “deliberately highlights the breasts, buttocks or pelvic region” as long as it is correctly mentioned as such. Likewise, if correctly labeled, fictitious breasts and genitals (cartoons or sculptures, for example), as well as body writing on the breasts or buttocks are authorized.

Stripping must be labeled, but twerking or pole dancing is now allowed without warning.

Controversial content

A few years ago, Twitch was also the scene of a controversy over (mostly) female streamers who offered content, often in a swimsuit, where they interacted with the audience from a jacuzzi or an inflatable pool. To respond to this, the platform created a new section dedicated to this content.

Streamer Morgpie has not yet been reinstated on Twitch. In statements to the specialized media Dexerto, she explained that she had been banned for “sexually suggestive behavior,” three days after starting this type of content.

However, she criticizes the platform for not being specific enough about these reasons, given that her chest was systematically invisible. “I think there are constantly people on Twitch playing with the ambiguity of the terms of service,” she told Dexerto.