Twitch is undoubtedly the biggest streaming platform on the planet, pulling in millions of active users on a monthly basis and being the epicenter of some people's successful broadcasting careers. However, that doesn't mean the site isn't also involved in things which bring the name into ill repute, such as last year's Twitch hate raid controversy, not to mention the list of content providers who have been banned with no transparent reason as to why. However, it does look like the Amazon-owned company is taking steps to mend its reputation.
According to a report from PC Gamer, Twitch has made some changes to its username policy, seemingly clamping down on monikers that the company sees as "inappropriate." The update on the website says that cracking down on usernames and display names that go against the tougher policy is important, given that they are highly visible across the streaming platform. Those that already have names which could break the rules will be asked to reset their username via an email, and will only be allowed back onto the site once they comply.
While names related to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are fine, as far as the company is concerned, usernames related to "hard drugs" or drug abuse in general are no longer permitted. Other topics that users are no longer allowed to imply or use in their online names include things that relate to breaking the law, including the promotion of terrorism, violence or threats, sexual harassment or overt sexual references, as well as sharing private information, to name a few. It's likely that these changes have come about as a way for Twitch to implement safety measures since the hate raids.
Many users and broadcasters were outraged that the site didn't act quickly enough when streamers became subjected to online abuse from toxic communities and bots. It eventually led to some people staging a 24-hour walkout of Twitch in protest of the company seemingly doing little to counter the hate raids at the time. Since then, the site has moved forward with its own set of countermeasures in the hope that it will prevent further controversies from plaguing the platform, and perhaps restore the general good name.
Users who intentionally break the rule will have their Twitch account suspended. There is some fairly detailed information about what isn't allowed to be used as a username for anyone who is unsure. As long as broadcasters and the overall community make sure their online monikers are within the policy agreement, then there shouldn't be any issues.
The full list is as follows, according to Twitch itself:
- Breaking the Law, including Terrorism and Child Exploitation
- Violence and Threats
- Hateful Conduct
- Harassment and Sexual Harassment
- Unauthorized Sharing of Private Information
- Impersonation
- Glorification of natural or violent tragedies
- Self-Destructive Behavior
- References to recreational drugs, hard drugs, and drug abuse, with exceptions for alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana
- References to sexual acts, genital, or sexual fluids