Key takeaways
- Twitch is implementing a new policy for streamers to better separate livestreams that will discuss more politically charged content on the platform.
- Streamers discussing a range of political and social issues, from wars to elections, will now be required to assign specific labels to their streams.
- Twitch's new policy on political streams follows the rise of politicians using Twitch as a platform to connect with audiences and promote their political campaigns.
Twitch is making major changes to its policies regarding streams that discuss political or social issues, now requiring streamers to add a special label to more politically charged broadcasts. The Amazon-owned streaming platform has opened itself up to a wide variety of content from its roots as a gaming-focused platform, now featuring a plethora of different creators and topics. Twitch plays host to everything from “IRL” and “just chatting” streams to hosting celebrities and sports events. However, one genre of content has often been controversial for the platform.
Twitch's expansion of its content has seen many politicians throw their hat into the streaming ring, looking to better share their message or connect with the gaming community. Many well-known politicians, such as US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Walz, have gone live on the streaming site. between us who League of Legends. Some have used Twitch for more personal discussions with voting publics and audiences to talk about their political platforms and goals. Now, Twitch is taking a different stance toward more politically charged streams.
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Twitch adding warning label for political streams
As reported by Eurogamer, a recent statement from Twitch announces a change in the platform's policy towards politics-focused streams. The new update will require any streams that discuss broad “political and sensitive social issues” on the platform to now have a special label attached to distinguish their nature. The statement goes on to reference some specific topics where the new tag will apply, including discussing war, civil rights, and elections on Twitch. Twitch doesn't confirm punishments for not labeling streams, though temporary suspensions could be a potential threat.
The Twitch shift comes as politicians see increased use of the platform for political means, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election. US Senator Bernie Sanders recently appeared on a Twitch stream alongside fan-favorite creators Pokimane and Sikuno to support Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. The previously-mentioned Tim Walz also recently streamed himself playing Crazy TaxiWhile discussing politics and playing games Madden NFL 25 With AOC.
Twitch's political policy change is likely a follow-up to several recent issues on the platform regarding political discussion. Popular streamer Esmongold recently saw a multi-week ban from the platform for comments about the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict, even away from OTK and Starforge Systems. Asmongold would later reflect on the ban and his inappropriate comments, expressing a desire to “do better” and create a more positive environment. Twitch's new policies should seek to better define what kinds of topics viewers can expect from the platform's streams.
