Twitch has recently rolled out new policy and moderation updates aimed at addressing and reducing sexual harassment on its platform. The company has simplified its sexual harassment policy to make it clearer by defining prohibited behaviors more explicitly. While the core policy remains largely the same, Twitch has improved its guidelines to better explain what constitutes sexual harassment. This includes a broad range of non-physical, sexual behaviors that can make users feel degraded, uncomfortable, or unwelcome.
Twitch has taken a firm stance on prohibiting unwanted comments about a person’s appearance or body, sexual advances, sexual objectification, and negative remarks related to someone’s perceived sexual behaviors or activities, regardless of their gender. This updated policy clearly defines what constitutes sexual harassment on the platform, aiming to create a safer and more respectful environment for all users.
In addition to addressing verbal and textual harassment, Twitch has implemented a strict policy against the recording and sharing of non-consensual intimate images or videos. This behavior is not tolerated under any circumstances, and such content may be reported to law enforcement to ensure proper legal action is taken. These measures reflect Twitch’s commitment to protecting its community from sexual harassment and ensuring that the platform remains a welcoming space for all users.
To enhance user safety, Twitch has implemented significant upgrades to its moderation tools. A key improvement is the introduction of a new filter category within the platform’s AutoMod feature. This new filter is specifically designed to help streamers block unwelcome comments about someone’s appearance, sexual requests, and sexual objectification. By enabling this filter, streamers can ensure that such inappropriate content is automatically detected and removed from their chat.
Streamers have the flexibility to customize the strictness of this filter to suit their preferences. This means they can adjust the sensitivity of the filter to either be more lenient or stringent based on the level of moderation they desire. Additionally, streamers have the option to report users who send inappropriate messages, thereby enhancing the overall enforcement of community guidelines.
Currently, this new AutoMod filter category is available in English. However, Twitch plans to expand its support to other languages in the future, making this enhanced moderation tool accessible to a broader audience worldwide. These updates underscore Twitch’s commitment to creating a safer and more welcoming environment for all users on the platform.
These updates come in the wake of the controversy involving popular streamer Guy “Dr Disrespect” Beahm, who was banned from Twitch for sending inappropriate messages to a minor using the platform’s former Whispers feature. This incident underscores the necessity of robust policies and tools to prevent and address harassment.
Moreover, the changes are part of Twitch’s broader initiative to tackle pervasive issues of harassment, especially towards female gamers. According to a Bryter survey, two-thirds of female gamers experience toxic or threatening behavior online, and over ten percent have received rape threats. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for platforms like Twitch to take decisive action.
By implementing clearer policies and enhancing moderation tools, Twitch aims to create a safer and more respectful environment for all users. These efforts demonstrate the platform’s commitment to combating harassment and protecting its community from harmful behavior.