Twitch Takes a Stand Against Hate Content

Major Revision of Guideline Policies... Strong Response to Hate Speech Including Sexual Harassment and Racism Announced
Trump Re-election Campaign Account Also Temporarily Suspended in June for Same Reason
NYT, "Quite Comprehensive Sanction Policy... Effectiveness Remains to Be Seen"

Twitch streamer broadcasting [Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Suhwan and Naju Seok] Twitch, the world's largest game-dedicated internet broadcasting service, is strengthening sanctions against users who engage in extreme behavior such as hateful speech.

On the 9th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that Twitch announced new guideline policies signaling a tough stance against sexual harassment and hateful expressions. A Twitch representative explained, "Many hateful expressions targeting minorities such as women and Black people among streamers using our platform have been detected," adding, "This policy is to ensure that no one suffers from such attacks."

The newly announced guideline policy, significantly revised for the first time in over three years, focuses on sanctioning users who direct at streamers ▲ sexually harassing expressions such as appearance disparagement and mockery ▲ posting provocative images ▲ expressions related to racism and hate. Additionally, language symbolizing extremist groups such as Nazis and white supremacist organizations, as well as posting sensitive personal information like individuals' phone numbers, are all subject to sanctions. Related comments are continuously monitored and immediately deleted, and accounts of users who repeatedly engage in hateful speech are permanently banned.

Sanctions against streamers will also be strengthened. Streamers who display the Confederate flag, which has become a symbol of American far-right extremists, or make hateful remarks against immigrants may face permanent suspension depending on the severity of the case.

Twitch has maintained a strict stance on hateful content. In June, it temporarily suspended the Twitch channel operated by former U.S. President Donald Trump's re-election campaign for "inciting hate and violence." This action was taken after hateful comments such as "Mexico is sending drug criminals and sex offenders to the U.S." were posted on Trump's account.

NYT quoted experts saying, "It is a fairly comprehensive and strong sanction policy," but added, "It remains to be seen whether this will effectively enforce sanctions."

The newly revised guideline policy is scheduled to take effect from January next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.