Twitch frequently bans users without explaining why, but thanks to a proposed update, this should become less of an issue.
Twitch is the most well-known name in the world of online video game broadcasting. While Twitch and other streaming platforms have experienced a slight decline in growth, performative commentary in the form of gaming playthroughs remains a popular form of entertainment, with millions of users tuning in every week to watch some of their favorite creators.
However, the purple-themed platform is frequently marred by controversy, especially when it employs the “ban hammer,” but it’s possible that this will be resolved in the near future.
Angela Hession, Vice President of Trust and Safety at Twitch, said in a recent interview that the site may provide more details in the future about why it bans a user. Sending “clips of infractions” to the streamer via email is one idea that could be implemented. With actual footage of the incident that prompted the ban, it should be easier to understand why one was imposed. Whether or not such clips sent to the offender are made public is likely to be at the discretion of the user in question.
Twitch is notorious for banning streamers, including some well-known names like Adin Ross, as many users are already aware. While some of the reasons for people being temporarily banned from Twitch are more obvious, such as overtly offensive content that violates Twitch’s terms and conditions, many people are left in the dark about why they’ve been banned.
For some, this could be damaging not only to their reputation on the platform and in the community, but also financially. Many famous streamers, such as Shroud and Asmongold, rely on Twitch for their livelihood. Of course, a temporary ban may not have a significant financial impact on some of the bigger names, but there are many smaller channels that don’t generate the same revenue as the lucky few, and being unable to earn a living could have a knock-on effect.
Finally, Twitch’s new transparency policy should allow users to finally understand why they have been banned. At the very least, future violations could be avoided this way. Despite the controversy, Twitch remains the undisputed leader in live video game streaming, with a viewership that YouTube and Facebook Gaming can only dream of.