Twitch, the popular livestreaming platform owned by Amazon, has just announced its latest and significant changes in policy and moderation tools. Here, Twitch emphasizes its goal to combat and gradually reduce harassment on the platform.
One of the improvements is the AutoMod moderation tool. Users can now use AutoMod to filter unwanted comments related to appearance, requests, or solicitations. This feature is similar to the previous filter for aggression and bullying. Currently, this new category only supports English but will soon be expanded to other languages.
Twitch stated: “We prohibit unwanted comments, including those using emojis related to someone’s appearance, body, or solicitations, harassment…” The platform also emphasizes that sharing or recording private images or videos without consent will not be reported to law enforcement.
While Twitch’s anti-harassment policy has not changed much, the definition is now clearer. Actions that make users feel degraded, uncomfortable, or uneasy while using the platform are efforts the platform aims to minimize.
These new updates come after a male streamer was banned from Twitch for sending inappropriate messages to fans. Additionally, a survey showed that female streamers still face more harassment in their profession than male streamers online, which also motivated Twitch to innovate. The platform aims not only to better protect users but also to enhance a safer, more positive, healthier, and friendlier online experience on social media.