Adobe Transparency Center

Harmful Content: Nudity and Sexual Content

Policy goal

The goal of this policy is to limit the exposure of adult content to users who may be sensitive to such content, as well as to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

What is in violation

Adult content is not permitted within areas that do not have visibility controls. Adobe allows some types of adult content within areas that have visibility controls (for example, behind a Mature Content Wall or in private storage). The type of content and where it is or is not allowed is outlined below. 

The following content is never permitted (regardless of visibility controls available), and posting of such content could lead to an immediate Adobe-level account restriction:

  •  Illegal or extreme sexual content

The following content is permitted in certain spaces, specifically if visibility controls are in place. If the following content is published without the appropriate visibility controls in place, we will adjust the setting; however, repeated posting of such content could lead to Adobe-level account restrictions:

  • Explicit sexual conduct (only in private storage)

  • Implied sexual content (permitted if and where the Mature Content Wall feature is in place)

  • Nudity (permitted if and where the Mature Content Wall feature is in place)
     

Note: Exceptions may be made for documentary or educational content.

Policy definitions 

Adult content 

Any content, including audio or video material, which contains nudity, sexual material, sexual dialogue, or depictions of sexual acts

Nudity 

A visual of the following fully unclothed and/or exposed body parts (which in ordinary public contexts would be covered): 

  • Female breast with nipple 

  • Genitals 

  • Anus  

Illegal or extreme sexual content

Sexual content universally recognized to cause harm to an individual or animal, for example: 

  • Child pornography (also see the Child Safety policy)

  • Bestiality

  • Rape scenes

  • Snuff films

  • Nonconsensual nudity (including deepfake nudity)

Explicit sexual content 

Material containing graphic realistic depictions of sexual acts, or depictions of erotic behavior (in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement,  for example:

  • Deepfake pornography

Implied sexual content 

Depictions of sexual positions and movements that constitute sexual activity without explicitly showing sexual intercourse or other sexual acts

Moderate sexual content 

Content that is sexually suggestive that does not depict or portray a sex act

Exceptions

Documentary

Addresses sensitive subjects and thematic in an age-appropriate manner.

Informative: History, science, culture, societal issues.

Educational or scientific

Anatomy diagrams, medical resources, public health PSAs

Fine art

Sculptures, paintings, photographs featured in museums, educational materials, textbooks, historical materials, and so on

Newsworthy

Depictions of images relevant to a newsworthy event

Commentary related to a political or national event; image purpose should be relevant to the event

Explicit sexual content and illegal or extreme sexual content are never permitted, even under the “exceptions.”