Are you a manga enthusiast in the US or UK who loves browsing through Pixiv for your favorite content? Well, hold on to your seats because there’s a new update in town! Pixiv, the popular manga site, has recently implemented a change that might catch you by surprise.
Now, Pixiv blocks adult content for users in the US and UK. If you’re wondering what this means for your manga reading experience, keep reading to find out all the details and how it could impact your Pixiv journey!
What is Pixiv?
Pixiv is a Japanese online community for artists that was first launched as a beta test in September 2007. It allows artists to post their artwork and receive feedback from a community of users. The platform supports various types of content, including illustrations, manga, and novels.
Available in multiple languages, it boasts over 100 million members and hosts a vast collection of artworks. Seasonal events like the Halloween tie-in offer prizes for popular works. The mobile app, with over 5 million downloads, provides features like rankings and recommendations, catering to artists’ needs.
What Content Does Pixiv Offer?
- Illustrations: Artists post various illustrations, ranging from original artwork to fan art of popular anime, manga, and video game characters.
- Manga: Both amateur and professional manga artists share their work, which includes full series and one-shots.
- Novels: Writers contribute with original stories, fan fiction, and serialized novels.
- Contests: Pixiv frequently hosts user-organized contests where artists can showcase their talents.
- Additionally, Pixiv runs the pixiv Monthly International Illustration Awards (pixivMILA), where creators worldwide can submit original illustrations to be judged and awarded each month.
Pixiv Blocks Adult Content for US and UK Users
- Terms of Use Update: Starting from April 25th, 2024, Pixiv’s Terms of Use will include a new section to comply with regional laws, affecting only users whose Country/Region is set to the US or UK.
- Content Restrictions: Pixiv has announced that users in the US and UK will no longer be able to view NSFW R18 rated images.
- Content Affected: The banned content includes sexualized depictions of minors, non-consensual depictions, deepfakes, and material lacking serious value as per the Miller test.
- Pressure from Payment Processors: The decision comes after increasing pressure from payment processors to censor content they find objectionable.
- Policy Adjustments: Pixiv has previously tried new content policies and restrictions on monetization via fanbox, with payment processors like Visa and Mastercard exerting stricter control.
- Legislation Impact: US legislation is pushing for age verification on sites with significant sexual content, influencing platforms like Pixiv to adjust their policies.
- Artists’ Response: Artists are seeking alternative hosting solutions, fearing broader enforcement of such policies on internet infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Pixiv Blocks Adult Content for US and UK Users?
Pixiv Blocks Adult Content to comply with regulations and laws in the US and UK regarding adult content.
What Kind of Content is being Blocked?
Adult content, including explicit images and mature themes, is being restricted.
Can Users in the US and UK Still Access Pixiv?
Yes, users can still access Pixiv, but they will not be able to view adult content.
Conclusion
Pixiv’s decision to block adult content for US and UK users has stirred discussions in the manga community. While some may be disappointed, it aims to create a safer, inclusive platform. As Pixiv continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how this policy impacts its user base and the broader online art community.
For fans of manga and digital art, it’s a call to stay informed about the policies that govern their online spaces. Despite the restrictions, Pixiv remains a vibrant hub for artists and art enthusiasts, continuing to offer a wealth of creative content for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a long-time user or new to Pixiv, there’s always something exciting to explore.