X, the social media platform, has been facing significant challenges in moderating its content with a reduced staff pool. One of the key concerns is child protection, with X CEO Linda Yaccarino scheduled to appear before Congress to explain the platform’s efforts in combating child sexual exploitation (CSE) material. In response to these concerns, X has announced its evolving strategies to combat CSE and plans to build a new “Trust and Safety center of excellence” in Texas. While this move may be seen as a proactive response to address these issues, there may be more controversial plans at play.
Staffing Increase and Focus on CSE
X aims to hire 100 full-time content moderators in Texas, primarily focused on fighting material related to child sexual exploitation. However, these new hires will also assist in enforcing the platform’s other rules, such as restrictions on hate speech and violent posts. Strengthening the team’s focus on CSE is crucial, but it raises questions about X’s ability to police harmful content effectively.
Twitter’s Abandoned Plan
Back in 2022, Twitter explored the possibility of allowing adult content creators to sell subscriptions within its app to tap into the lucrative market of self-made content, popularized by platforms like OnlyFans. However, before implementing this feature, Twitter formed a “Red Team” to test its safety and feasibility. The key findings revealed that Twitter lacked effective policing of harmful sexual content, particularly child sexual exploitation and non-consensual nudity. As a result, Twitter decided not to move forward with the plan.
With X’s ad revenue down by 50%, it is now facing the need to find new revenue streams. The platform’s recent deal with BetMGM to display gambling odds in-stream and its vision of becoming a “video first platform” indicate a potential shift toward embracing controversial elements. Given the financial pressure and the potential to reach a wider audience, X might be reconsidering its previously abandoned plan of monetizing adult content subscriptions.
Financial Challenges and the Need for Diversification
X’s main ad income stream is still significantly lower than previous levels, and Elon Musk’s acquisition of the app has burdened it with substantial loan debt. Despite Musk’s cost-cutting efforts, X is struggling to break even. Advertisers are also avoiding the platform due to Musk’s controversial remarks, necessitating the development of new revenue streams. The significant investment in a new moderation center must have direct benefits, and combatting CSE alone may not be sufficient to lure back ad partners.
X’s recent announcement emphasized that its platform is not the preferred choice for children and minors. While efforts have been made to make it more difficult for bad actors to share or engage with CSE material, there seems to be something else on the horizon. Given X’s commitment to freedom of speech and the pressing need for increased revenue, it would not be surprising if the platform revisited its plan to monetize adult content subscriptions. However, this remains speculative, and only X insiders truly know the company’s upcoming strategy.
X faces significant challenges in moderating its platform, particularly in combating child sexual exploitation. To address this issue, the company plans to build a new moderation center and hire additional staff focused on fighting harmful content. However, the struggles to attract advertisers and the need for increased revenue may lead X to reconsider its abandoned plan of monetizing adult content subscriptions. As the platform moves toward becoming a “video first platform” and seeks alternative revenue streams, it is essential to closely monitor X’s future direction and assess its impact on user experience, content safety, and revenue generation.
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