Twitch Making Changes to Ban System

Twitch is changing how its streamer ban system works, in an effort to make bans more effective and transparent. Twitch streamers and viewers have been asking for changes to be made to the way that bans work for a long time, and the platform is taking action.

Twitch bans have been a finicky and confusing thing for both streamers and viewers. Some Twitch streamers have been seen their accounts banned for minor infractions, while others have seemingly gotten away with a minor slap on the wrist for larger offenses. To make matters more complicated, Twitch bans often didn’t provide any explanation as to what the ban was for, leaving some Twitch streamers wondering what they did wrong and how they could avoid making the same mistake in the future.

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Now, Twitch has unveiled some changes to its ban policies that it hopes will improve the system. To start, violations that can lead to a ban will now be forgiven after a set amount of time, with minor violations typically being forgiven after 90 days, and higher violations, like “hateful conduct” lasting for 1–2 years before expiring. Those who see indefinite Twitch suspensions after multiple violations can request a reinstatement six months after the ban occurred. Streamers can check their dashboards for full details on when their existing violations will be forgiven.

Repeat Offenders on Twitch Will Face Bigger Consequences

Twitch explains that those who violate the same policy multiple times before an offense is forgiven will face longer suspensions. Some might be concerned about these new changes, as while some offenses that get streamers in trouble are obvious, others aren’t so clear. Twitch will also be changing this, with plans to show streamers exactly where and when in their chat or video that the violation took place. This is something that streamers have wanted for a long time, so this move is a positive one. However, what may not be as well-received is the fact that Twitch has been teasing this change since 2024, and still hasn’t said when this will go into effect, only noting that more information will be shared in the “coming months.”

While much is changing with the system, Twitch notes that its policy on what constitutes harm and its community policies aren’t shifting. Twitch also said that those who get hit with multiple violations for “harmful behavior” will face larger consequences. Twitch classifies harm as “actions that lead to physical, emotional, social, or financial damage to a community member, to Twitch, or to society.” This would likely encompass streamers similar to Johnny Somali, who is currently facing potential prison time for his harassment of strangers while streaming. With any luck, these changes will help streamers to avoid violations and bans, while keeping repeat offenders off the platform for months, if not longer.