The streaming platform has implemented new policies and moderation updates to address sexual harassment...
In a blog post, Twitch revealed that it has made its sexual harassment policy more understandable by clearly detailing prohibited behaviors. The platform's moderation tools have also been enhanced, enabling streamers to more easily filter out inappropriate chat messages.
Twitch states that while the policy remained practically unchanged it now provides clearer definitions of what constitutes sexual harassment. This includes non-physical behaviors of a sexual nature that could make users feel degraded or uncomfortable on Twitch. In short, the platform announced that:
"We prohibit unwanted comments made using emotes regarding someone’s appearance/body, sexual requests/advances, sexual objectification, and negative statements/attacks related to a person’s perceived sexual behaviors/activities. We also do not tolerate the recording/sharing of non-consensual intimate images/videos under any circumstances".
Currently, Twitch streamers using AutoMod can activate a new filter to block unwanted comments. Users can adjust the strictness of moderation and choose whether to report offending users.
Why did the platform suddenly take such strict measures? In particular, this had to be done because of an incident with famous gaming streamer Dr Disrespect (Guy Beahm). Remember, four years ago he was banned from Twitch for using Whispers feature (now defunct) to send inappropriate messages to a minor.
Moreover, statistics show that female gamers still disproportionately face abuse and sexual harassment from males online.
That's why Twitch implemented safety features like AutoMod, Shield Mode, and follower verification. Because these tools help prevent harassment on the platform. And the company continues to work in this direction.
We now see that there is no place for harassment on Twitch, and the platform takes its enforcement of this policy quite seriously…
