Patreon Proposes Updated Community Guidelines To Address AI And Adult Content.

Patreon is proposing several changes to its platform guidelines, part of an annual refinement of its rules. As in the past, the company will gather feedback in the coming weeks before they finalize the updates.

“We continue to update our guidelines in tandem with evolving creative tools, technology, and community expectations,” it says in the announcement, adding they also want to adopt guidelines that keep Patreon “safe and welcoming” for creators and users.

The revisions start at the very top, with what Patreon says is a “small update” to the opening section of the Community Guidelines to better reflect that it has become a media and community platform connecting creators and fans. But it also says the introductory section will still be grounded in the principles of human rights, free expression, and privacy.

Yet technology is evolving, and with artificial intelligence being integrated more into content creation, Patreon is proposing new language in its rules that build on its long-standing zero-tolerance policy toward child sexual exploitation. The new rules would more explicitly prohibit AI-generated or digitally altered depictions of minors. It is also proposing updates to the harassment section to expand and clarify our definition of non-consensual intimate imager. The new language more clearly addresses a wider array of image-based abuses, from AI-generated deepfakes to covert recordings and blackmail, as well as apps or tools that enable this type of material. Patreon says the proposed changes will ensure its guidelines align with industry safety standards.

While most of these proposals don’t impact what podcasters create, Patreon says it aims to draft more clearly defined guidelines for adult content. That includes rules for digitally altered or AI-created audio in adults-only content.

“Across the board, these revisions aim to make the guidelines clearer, more consistent, and more equitable in practice, reflecting what we heard from creators during the roundtables,” Patreon’s announcement says.

The company will be holding an online policy discussion with its members on Thursday, Dec. 11 with members of Patreon’s Policy Team, including VP of Trust & Safety Eric Han. Get details HERE.