Title: Reddit Updates Content Policy to Allow AI-Generated Sexual Media while Banning Deepfakes
In a groundbreaking move, Reddit has modified its Content Policy to allow the distribution of AI-generated sexual media that portrays fictional people or characters. However, explicit carveouts have been made to ensure that sexually explicit AI content does not depict real, identifiable individuals.
Back in 2018, Reddit joined other platforms in banning deepfake AI porn communities due to concerns over the distribution of involuntary pornography. Rule 3 was amended to prohibit the sharing of nudity or sexual contact that may have been faked. However, at that time, there was already an exception for consensual porn involving a sex worker.
The recent update introduces another carveout, where AI-generated sexual media is permissible as long as it involves fictional characters or people. The company also stressed that any sexually explicit AI content featuring real, identifiable individuals still violates their rules.
While Rule 3 is not the sole regulation that limits the dissemination of NSFW AI content on Reddit, Rule 6 mandates labeling sexually explicit and potentially offensive content, primarily within opt-in NSFW communities. Additionally, Rule 4 strictly prohibits any sexual or suggestive content, fictional or not, involving minors.
Reddit also addressed Rule 4 in today’s adjustment, explicitly disallowing the sharing of content depicting or promoting neglect, physical, or emotional abuse against minors. The platform has taken a firm stance against all depictions of minor abuse.
Enforcement of intellectual property rules on Reddit should, in theory, prevent the appearance of fictional characters in AI-generated explicit content. However, these regulations have historically been somewhat lax when it comes to preventing Rule 34, which is not an official Reddit rule but an internet phenomenon based on the idea that if it exists, there is porn of it.
In conclusion, Reddit’s recent update to its Content Policy now permits AI-generated sexual media featuring fictional characters, while still maintaining strict rules against the depiction of real, identifiable individuals. The platform continues to prioritize the labeling and restriction of sexually explicit and potentially offensive content. Furthermore, any form of content promoting or depicting abuse against minors is strictly prohibited on Reddit.
