Twitch Ban Policies: Analyzing the Confusion and Inconsistencies

Twitch’s ban practices continue to exhibit inconsistency and unpredictability, frustrating both streamers and their communities. A critical question arises for Twitch: Why is this the case?

During TwitchCon in early 2024, the platform, owned by Amazon, expressed its commitment to enhancing moderation transparency, promising several updates for the upcoming year.

Among these proposed updates is the provision of chat excerpts or clips to users who have been banned, depending on whether the infraction occurred in chat or during a stream.

This initiative represents a significant improvement. For too long, streamers have been informed of rule violations without any clear explanation of what they did wrong.

Nevertheless, a prominent concern remains, even with Twitch’s planned updates in 2025—namely, the inconsistencies in ban durations. One could optimistically believe that Twitch thoroughly evaluates all circumstances when assigning a ban that might last anywhere from 24 hours to a permanent exclusion.

Conversely, a more skeptical interpretation might envision a random method, like darts on a dartboard or a spinning wheel, dictating suspension lengths. Given current circumstances, this latter scenario seems increasingly plausible.

Addressing Hateful Conduct on Twitch

On October 16, amidst widespread calls for action, Twitch suspended Asmongold, one of its most recognized and veteran streamers. This decision followed remarks he made during a broadcast, where he referred to the people of Palestine as part of an “inferior culture” and expressed indifference towards them.

As is often the case, the specifics of the suspension duration were not disclosed publicly. However, journalist Rod Breslau indicated it was a 14-day ban.

This raises the question: What led Twitch to conclude that a two-week suspension was the appropriate response?

It can be assumed (albeit with some degree of speculation) that Asmongold’s comments breached Twitch’s guidelines on hateful conduct. Historically, any infraction under these rules typically resulted in a standard 30-day suspension.

Asmongold streaming on Twitch. — Twitch: asmongold

Asmongold faced a 14-day suspension on Twitch for comments made regarding the Palestine conflict.

In the past, this was the same penalty enforced against Destiny and m0E in 2019 for employing a homophobic slur, and Adin Ross received the same for infringing on hate conduct protocols in 2022. Thirty days appears straightforward with clear precedents.

Thus, when NICKMERCS was banned in 2024 for using a transphobic slur, logic would suggest a 30-day penalty was warranted; yet, he received only a 10-day ban. Why?

This leads us to the notorious JiDion ban, which occurred in January 2022 due to his alleged involvement in a hate raid directed at Pokimane’s channel, resulting in a 14-day suspension that was later escalated to a permanent ban before being lifted after 832 days.

Even in cases as evidently linked to hateful conduct—characterized by the use of slurs or derogatory remarks concerning race, faith, or gender—Twitch’s application of consistent precedents seems lacking. Consequently, Twitch faces ongoing scrutiny and claims of favoritism, particularly when high-profile streamers are sanctioned unceremoniously.

Asmongold himself has voiced concerns about Twitch’s ban inconsistency, stating, “I think Twitch is really bad and inconsistent with bans too. I’ve made tons of videos about it, and I believe this continues to hold true.”

However, accusations of preferential treatment extend beyond hateful conduct and enter the realm of sexual content regulation, which is even murkier.

The VTuber Dilemma

In September, Twitch revised its guidelines regarding streamer attire, honing in on VTubers and explicitly advising them to ensure their models covered the “hips.”

This update ignited backlash among the VTubing community, who felt unfairly singled out compared to traditional IRL streamers.

A notable instance showcased an IRL streamer who received no penalty despite dedicated camera angles focusing on their posterior. This streamer had multiple bans—totaling 11 since 2020—with the longest lasting nine days.

fallenshadow-twitch-ban — fallenshadow | Twitch

Fallenshadow faced a 30-day suspension from Twitch.

On September 15, the suspension of VTuber fallenshadow fueled the perception that Twitch applies a separate set of rules for this specific category of streamers.

Fallenshadow received a 30-day suspension for “self-harm” due to intoxication while streaming.

She questioned, “Is consuming alcohol during streams now against TOS, or is it part of the mysterious additional rules that my partner manager acknowledged exist but that I’m not privy to as a petite woman with a gentle voice using a VTuber model representing my real-life self?”

Fallenshadow did not utilize any racial slurs or contravene sexual content guidelines. Instead, her offense involved having “three glasses of cream liquor,” culminating in a 30-day ban.

Twitch is set to improve its transparency regarding the reasons for bans in 2025. However, establishing a clear, precedent-based framework for ban durations is equally essential.

Ultimately, as a private entity, Twitch retains the authority to ban any individual at will. While context is vital and merits consideration, creating and publicizing a system for determining suspension lengths would benefit all stakeholders, including Twitch itself.

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