World Creators in Horizon Worlds now have the ability to embed content that was previously prohibited as long as they indicate they are 18+.
Allow adult content while protecting users in the metaverse. This is the goal of Meta, which has just updated one of its policies related to Horizon Worlds, its flagship virtual reality platform. The California-based group added an “18+” label to allow creators to embed previously banned adult content. “If worlds are intended for mature audiences, Meta requires the world to be marked as mature”says Meta in its policy.
The company now allows sexually suggestive content, such as near-nudity or the depiction of people in implied positions. Creators can also include worlds dedicated to or primarily focused on promoting marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, and other age-regulated activities such as gambling. Finally, the company does not prohibit intense or extremely violent fictional content that could shock or disgust users.
Prohibited content for user’s safety
However, Meta clarifies that certain types of content remain prohibited even with an “18 and over” label. As part of its virtual reality good conduct policy, the California giant does not allow the sexualization of minors or touching of a sexual nature. The forbidden worlds policy in Horizon Worlds also states that creators do not describe or promote sexually explicit content (nudity…) “illicit drug use or prescription drug abuse” as well as those who show intense violence in real life.
This is a way for Meta to ensure that Horizon Worlds “be a safe and welcoming environment for all”. However, security in the metaverse is an area where the company has already encountered difficulties. Faced with harassment issues on its platform, it introduced a personal boundary that is enabled by default to prevent avatars from getting too close together. It also recently announced another feature that allows users to mute the voices of people who are not their friends or not hear unwanted calls at all.
According to the UploadVR site, Meta has notified creators of the policy change in an email stating that they must indicate whether their world is suitable for all ages or only for people at least 18 years old. In the event that they do not take any action the following month, these worlds will only be considered mature by default.