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

Sydney Sweeney targeted by X’s content moderation, sparking concerns over the platform's handling of explicit material

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

Experts are alarmed by X's decision, made in June 2024 by CEO Elon Musk, to allow “consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behaviour” on the platform. Dr. Claire McGlynn, a professor at Durham Law School, warned, “X is a cesspit of non-consensual and abusive content, and this is only going to increase. X is taunting regulators and governments with its obvious disdain 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 surge of sexually suggestive and sometimes explicit posts featuring Sweeney, reducing her to an object of voyeuristic and pornographic consumption. Dr. McGlynn added, “While X proclaims to protect free speech, its actions have the opposite effect. Online abuse inhibits particularly the freedom of expression of women and girls.”

The explicit content and the exploitation of Sweeney's image on X highlight the 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 become a victim of X’s controversial content moderation policies, raising concerns over the platform’s handling of explicit material.