In a bold move to refine its community management and safety protocols, Twitch has announced a significant overhaul of its strike system. This new program introduces a depreciating model for certain offences, aiming to balance punishment with the opportunity for reform and education. Here’s what streamers and viewers need to know about the latest changes and what it means for the future of streaming on Twitch.
Understanding the Depreciating Strike Program
Twitch’s latest enforcement strategy is set to revolutionize how the platform handles violations of its community guidelines. Under the new system, not all strikes will have a permanent impact on a user’s record. Instead, strikes for “low severity” offences will now expire after a predetermined period, although Twitch has yet to specify the exact timelines for these expirations.
This shift marks a significant departure from Twitch’s previous, more rigid approach. “We’ve had people on Twitch for a long time that have had enforcement in the past, but they don’t expire over time,” explained Rob Lewington, Twitch’s Vice President of Safety Operations. He noted that the old system was unduly punitive, especially for long-time users who might have accrued minor strikes early in their streaming careers.
Enhanced Transparency and Educational Opportunities
Another key aspect of the new policy is increased transparency. Starting next year, Twitch plans to provide users with more detailed information regarding their infractions. This includes sharing the specific chat message or clip that triggered the violation, which Lewington believes will help streamers and viewers better understand the actions taken against them and assist those wishing to appeal decisions. Furthermore, Twitch is enhancing its approach to rehabilitation through education. According to Kristen Murdock, Director of Safety Risk and Response at Twitch, users who receive strikes may have the opportunity to reduce the severity of enforcement actions by participating in educational courses. For example, someone penalized for hateful conduct could lessen their suspension time by completing a course and passing a quiz on the topic.
Collaborative Efforts for a Safer Community
Twitch’s commitment to safety and proper conduct on its platform is evident in its collaborations with various organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League. These partnerships aim to develop educational content that addresses critical issues like hateful conduct, sexual content, and gambling. Murdock highlighted the importance of consistent messaging and clear guidelines for both streamers and moderators, ensuring that everyone on the platform understands what is expected of them. This comprehensive approach not only aims to educate but also to allow members to grow from their experiences, emphasizing Twitch’s goal to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all its users.
The Road Ahead
As Twitch continues to grow, accommodating over 105 million users each month and managing 1.3 trillion minutes of viewed content, the need for adaptive and thoughtful regulation becomes increasingly crucial. This new depreciating strike program is a step towards more nuanced moderation that respects the complexity of human behaviour while upholding the platform’s community standards. By implementing these changes, Twitch is setting a new standard in the digital streaming industry—one that other platforms might soon follow. As these new policies take effect, the Twitch community awaits to see the impact of these innovative approaches to safety and enforcement in creating a more forgiving and educational environment.
