Sydney Sweeney targeted for explicit content on X, raising concerns over content moderation policies

Sydney Sweeney has become the latest victim of dangerous content moderation policies on X (formerly Twitter), which have raised concerns over the platform’s handling of explicit material. The situation escalated in March 2024 when 404 Media reported that hackers used AI-generated images and nude scenes from Sweeney’s roles in “Euphoria” and “The Voyeurs” to trick users into downloading malware. These malicious links often led to adware sites like thaudray.com and waufooke.com, further compromising user safety.

Experts have been alarmed by X’s decision, made in June 2024 by CEO Elon Musk, to allow “consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual conduct” on the platform. Dr Claire McGlynn, a professor at Durham Law School, warned: “X is a cesspool of non-consensual and abusive content, and this will only increase. X is provoking regulators and governments with its clear disregard for any restrictions on AI technology and the production of abusive content.”

The platform’s failure to effectively moderate explicit content has resulted in a spate of sexually suggestive and sometimes graphic posts featuring Sweeney, reducing her to an object of voyeuristic and pornographic consumption. Dr McGlynn added: “While X claims to be protecting freedom of expression, its actions have the opposite effect. Online abuse specifically hinders the freedom of expression of women and girls.”

The explicit content and exploitation of Sweeney’s image on X highlights broader issues of misogyny and abuse in online culture. The platform’s current policies have been criticized for enabling an environment where digital violence and exploitation are rampant, particularly against women and young girls.

Sydney Sweeney has fallen victim to X’s controversial content moderation policies, raising concerns about the platform’s handling of explicit material.