Wattpad has clarified that its updated content guidelines do not constitute a ban on 'smut,' despite widespread panic among Gen Z users on social media. The platform, which launched in 2006 and became a cultural cornerstone for teenage readers and writers in the early 2010s, revised its Content Restrictions page eight days ago, prompting fears that its era of explicit romantic and sexual stories was ending.
What Actually Changed on Wattpad?
According to a Wattpad spokesperson, the regulations remain unchanged; only the language has been rephrased for clarity. The statement to Metro read: 'The updated language gives more specifics around our story ratings (Everyone or Mature) and what is banned on the platform, but our policies, content categories, and how we moderate have not changed.' The platform emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe environment and providing clearer guidelines for creators and readers.
Prohibited categories include pornography or content created primarily for sexual arousal, any sexual content involving minors, sexual exploitation or glorified non-consensual acts, sexual roleplay or solicitation, and illegal sexual acts. Stories with 'explicit' sexual content, themes of mental health and self-harm, or intense violence must be labeled as 'mature.' Wattpad also removed private messaging in 2024 following concerns about sexual grooming.
Why Are Users Worried?
Despite the reassurance, users expressed distress online. TikToker @Londynsspamacc lamented, 'We are LOSING the ancient scriptures,' while @naina compared it to 'banning lemons from the lemonade stand.' @lakenariah exclaimed, 'No, this is truly the worst news of my life,' and @Whatyaue claimed, 'So basically Wattpad is gone lol.' @angieduke5 reflected, 'That is so tragic for the upcoming generation. It’s a canon event to stay up on a school night to read Wattpad stories until you realise you need to go to bed to sleep for 2 hrs.'
The anxiety stems partly from the difficulty in distinguishing between pornography, 'explicit' sexual content, and sexual content within a broader story deemed suitable for under-17s. This comes as governments worldwide consider tighter restrictions on young people's social media access; the UK announced plans in June for an under-16 social media ban due in early 2027.
Voices from the Community
Wattpad author Sophie, 27, from London, who wrote dystopian teenage rom-coms, described the platform as 'an important, non-judgemental place where predominantly young adults could go and read and explore.' She added, 'It definitely made me more open-minded and curious.' However, she believes that if moderating becomes too strict, users will seek smut elsewhere.
Eleanor Noyce, 28, a Metro Lifestyle Reporter who used Wattpad during her 'nerdy' teenage years for Harry Potter fanfic, noted, 'Wattpad was a sort of haven for young LGBTQ+ fans, many of whom hadn’t come out, and so relied on digital anonymity both to express themselves and engage with other queer people.' She supports the updated guidelines but doubts they will prevent content from spreading to other platforms like TikTok.
RSHE Educator Rebecca Jennings told Metro that parents need to 'take some control over what they are allowing their children to view,' and suggested Wattpad adopt a system similar to the BBFC film ratings, with 'as many content safety warnings as possible, to include age ratings, content warnings or parental controls.' Wattpad requires users to be 13 and over to create an account, and the 'Mature' label, a feature since 2020, remains unchanged in its content requirements.
