Key Takeaways
- Twitch is implementing a new policy for streamers to better distinguish livestreams that will be discussing more politically-charged content on the platform.
- Streamers discussing a range of political and social issues from war to elections will now be required to assign a special label to their streams.
- Twitch’s new policy on political streams follows a rise in politicians using Twitch as a platform to connect with viewers and promote their political campaigns.
Twitch is making a major change to its policies regarding streams discussing political or social issues, now requiring streamers to add a special label to more politically-charged broadcasts. The Amazon-owned streaming platform has opened itself up to a wide variety of content from its roots as a gaming-focused platform, now housing a plethora of different creators and topics. Twitch plays host to everything from “IRL” and “Just Chatting” streams to even hosting celebrities and sporting events. However, one genre of content has often been controversial for the platform.
Twitch‘s expansion of its content has seen plenty of politicians throw their hats into the streaming ring, looking to better share their message or connect with the gaming community. Many well-known politicians, like US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, have gone live on the streaming site playing everything from Among Us to League of Legends. Some have even used Twitch for more personal discussions with the voting public and viewers to talk about their political platforms and goals. Now, Twitch is taking a different stance towards more politically-charged streams.
Related
AOC Announces Madden NFL 25 Twitch Stream With Tim Walz
Ahead of Election Day, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will face off against vice presidential candidate Tim Walz in Madden NFL 25.
Twitch Adding Warning Label for Political Streams
As reported by Eurogamer, a recent statement from Twitch announces a change in the platform’s policy towards politics-focused streams. The new update requires that any streams discussing broader “political and sensitive social issues” on the platform will now be required to have a special label attached to distinguish their nature. The statement goes on to reference some specific topics where the new tag will be applicable, including war, civil rights, and discussing elections on Twitch. Twitch does not confirm punishments for not labeling streams, though temporary suspensions may be a possible threat.
The Twitch change comes as politicians have seen increasing use of the platform for political means, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders recently appeared on a Twitch stream alongside fan-favorite creators Pokimane and Sykkuno to endorse Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The previously-mentioned Tim Walz also recently streamed himself playing Crazy Taxi, while discussing politics and playing a match of Madden NFL 25 with AOC.
Twitch’s political policy change is likely a follow-up to several recent issues on the platform regarding political discussions. Popular streamer Asmongold recently saw a multi-week ban from the platform for remarks made about the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict, even stepping away from OTK and Starforge Systems. Asmongold would later reflect on the ban and his inappropriate comments, expressing his desire to “do better” and create a more positive environment. Twitch’s new policies should look to better define what kinds of topics viewers can expect from the platform’s streams.