modrinth
Proposal: Age-Based Content Classification and Discovery Filtering
Please confirm the following.
- [x] I checked the existing issues for duplicate feature requests
- [x] I have checked that this feature request is not on our roadmap
What parts of Modrinth is your feature request related too?
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Is your suggested feature related to a problem? Please describe.
This proposal focuses on introducing an age-based content classification system for Modrinth, designed to protect minors and improve default content discovery without removing or censoring any projects. It is intentionally decoupled from political, legal, or regional enforcement concerns, and instead addresses a platform-level design gap related to user safety and age-appropriate access.
Age-Based Content Classification in the Minecraft Mod Ecosystem 1. Introduction Minecraft is officially rated 7+ / 10+, and a large portion of its player base consists of minors. However, major mod distribution platforms currently lack a formal age-based content classification system, which creates a structural risk in content discovery and distribution. This is not a moderation failure of individual mods, but a platform-level design gap. 2. The Core Problem On platforms like Modrinth, the following content types coexist without separation: family-friendly mods technical and optimization mods horror and extreme violence mods sexualized or fetish-adjacent mods Without age-based filtering: minors can access inappropriate content without intent recommendation systems surface all mods equally search and trending systems amplify discovery moderation reports are ineffective in “gray area” cases 3. Concrete Examples (Non-Accusatory) Mods such as: Giantess Toki and More Wildfire Female Gender Mod do not necessarily violate platform rules, but are clearly unsuitable for minors. This proposal does not call for removal or censorship, but for proper classification and access control. 4. Discovery Is the Real Risk The primary issue is not intentional access, but algorithmic discovery: external recommendations (YouTube, social media) mod launchers aggregating multiple sources trending and “recommended” sections Users often encounter this content passively, not by searching for adult material. 5. Proven Industry Solution: Roblox Model Roblox faced the same challenge and implemented age-based experience groups: All Ages 9+ 13+ 17+ Key point: Content was not removed — discovery and access were gated. This model is already legally and socially validated. 6. Proposed Technical Model for Modrinth 6.1 Mandatory Age Declaration Accounts must declare date of birth (DOB) Age group is calculated automatically Accounts without DOB: restricted to All Ages content or blocked from downloads entirely 6.2 Content Classification Mod authors assign one category: All Ages 13+ 16+ 18+ 18+ content includes: sexualized content fetish-oriented themes content clearly unsuitable for minors 6.3 Platform Behavior For 18+ content: hidden by default excluded from: Trending Recommendations Homepage accessible only if: account is 18+ explicit opt-in filter is enabled content warning is displayed 7. “But Users Can Bypass via Third-Party Launchers” This is true — and irrelevant to platform responsibility. No platform can prevent: piracy API bypass third-party redistribution What matters is reasonable protection: preventing accidental exposure limiting default discovery demonstrating due diligence This is the standard applied to: Roblox Steam App Store / Play Store YouTube 8. Why This Is Urgent Without an age-based system: moderation remains ambiguous reports cannot resolve gray-area content parental trust erodes legal and corporate pressure increases future enforcement may be abrupt and harmful Proactive classification avoids reactive censorship. 9. Conclusion Age-based classification is not censorship. It is content separation, user safety, and platform responsibility. Implementing this system: protects minors protects creators protects Modrinth preserves freedom while adding structure This is a necessary evolution of the mod distribution ecosystem.
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