Japanese image hosting site Pixiv has been under fire for announcing a series of new rules that will seemingly inhibit the ability of artists to monetize their fictional works.

As previously reported, these new rules are intended to prevent artists from making money through Pixiv services based on the content of their work. Particularly if these works include entirely fictional:

・Sexual exploitation of a minor
・Incest
・Bestiality
・Rape (or any other non-consensual sexual behavior)
・Non-consensual mutilation of a person or body part

Pixiv went further and explained the rules after the backlash they received. Photorealistic or worse, actual live-action content would be banned. Not only does it violate Pixiv’s terms of service but it violates the law in Japan, the United States, and many other countries.

However fictional content would allegedly remain suspect as “works needing correction”. What this appears to mean is that fictional works with controversial content will be hidden on a user’s page, but will possibly not entail any sitewide action like a ban or suspension from the service.

Products that require correction will be judged comprehensively based on the accompanying data and the content of the expressions.

If a product in violation is found, the following actions may be taken.
・Temporary non-disclosure of products and requests for corrections. As a result of the correction, if the above violation is eliminated, it will be possible to sell again.
・If we deem it malicious, such as registering a large number of products that clearly need to be corrected, or neglecting repeated requests for correction, we will delete the product, permanently make it private, suspend the account, or make a specific payment. We may take measures such as prohibiting or restricting the use of means.

Translation: Google

Users posting actual prohibited content that violates the law will be met with bans and suspension from the site and likely referrals to law enforcement.