X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to create or join communities centered around “adult content” or other “not safe for work” (NSFW) material. This move comes amid heightened scrutiny over online safety, particularly for young users, and a push from lawmakers to address these concerns.
According to screenshots uncovered by Daniel Buchuk, an analyst at Watchful, which tracks apps’ development testing, users on X can designate their communities as containing “adult-sensitive content.” These X groups will then carry an “adult content” label, with unmarked communities possibly seeing filtered or removed content. Moreover, X is considering implementing age verification for groups featuring adult content, aligning with its current policies that restrict explicit content for users under 18 or those without a specified birth date.
Dong Wook Chung, a senior software engineer at X, stated that the introduction of this labeling system aims to enhance community safety, restricting access to NSFW content only to users who have verified their age. Although a spokesperson for X confirmed Chung’s association with the company, they declined to provide further details.
This development underscores X’s attempt to carve out a distinct niche in the social networking landscape by openly accommodating NSFW content—a move that contrasts with Twitter’s previous reluctance to fully embrace adult material. Notably, Twitter’s former executives had contemplated launching an OnlyFans-style subscription service for adult creators, but scrapped the idea due to concerns over regulating harmful content, including child pornography.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, has advocated for a permissive content policy, advocating for the platform to host nearly all legal content. While X permits discussions on sensitive topics like sexual behavior, it prohibits explicit content in live videos and profile images, as well as its promotion through advertisements.
Despite the ongoing test, it remains uncertain when—or if—the feature will be rolled out to a wider audience, leaving open the possibility of its abandonment amid continued scrutiny over online safety measures.