The social network X, owned by Elon Musk, recently announced that it will allow consensually produced adult content to be published on its platform. However, this decision has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with pornographic content under the provisions of the Digital Services Act. The Commission emphasized the importance of assessing and managing these risks, particularly those related to violence against women and harm to children online.
In response to Musk’s announcement, X has implemented measures to block adult content featuring violence against individuals under 18. Users posting adult content are required to adjust their media settings to include warnings before their content can be viewed, ensuring that individuals under 18 or without proper age verification cannot access this material. While X previously allowed adult content with sensitive media warnings, it is now labeled as ‘adult content’.
According to Thomas Regnier, the Commission’s spokesperson for the digital economy, online platforms like X must adhere to the Digital Services Act by evaluating and mitigating risks associated with pornographic content. This includes safeguarding privacy and security for children, ensuring illegal content such as child sexual abuse materials or deepfakes is promptly removed from the platform to protect users.
Regnier stressed that the Commission’s stance on these matters is rooted in the principles outlined in the Digital Services Act and it will monitor X to ensure compliance. Additionally, the platform must act quickly to address any illegal content that violates these regulations.
The Commission’s goal is to uphold a safe and secure online environment for all users, particularly vulnerable populations like children. It’s important for online platforms like X
