Twitch Dissolves Safety Advisory Council: Implications for Platform Safety and Community Trust
Editor 
In a bold and somewhat surprising move, Twitch, the popular live streaming platform owned by Amazon, has decided to terminate all members of its Safety Advisory Council (SAC), effective May 31, 2024. The council, established in May 2020, played an instrumental role in advising Twitch on trust and safety issues, including hate raids, nudity policies, and the protection of marginalized groups. This decision has left many in the industry questioning the future direction of safety and moderation on the platform.
The Role and Impact of Twitch’s Safety Advisory Council
Before delving into the potential implications of this move, it’s crucial to understand the significant impact the Safety Advisory Council (SAC) had on Twitch’s policies and practices. Comprised of nine diverse individuals including industry experts, streamers, and moderators, the SAC provided critical guidance on several fronts:
Hate Raids and Harassment: The SAC advised Twitch on strategies to combat hate raids, a prevalent issue where malicious actors flood a streamer’s chat with hateful messages.
Policy Updates: The council was involved in shaping policies around sensitive topics such as nudity and adult content, ensuring they balanced community standards with freedom of expression.
Protection of Marginalized Groups: With a focus on inclusivity, the SAC helped develop measures to create a safer environment for underrepresented and marginalized communities.
Notable members of the SAC included Dr. Sameer Hinduja, an expert in cyberbullying and online safety; Emma Llansó, who focuses on freedom of expression and human rights in digital environments; and Dr. T.L. Taylor, a sociology professor who specializes in online communities and gaming.
The Transition to Twitch Ambassadors
Twitch’s decision to dissolve the SAC and replace it with a group of Twitch Ambassadors signifies a major strategic shift. Unlike the SAC, which consisted of experts with specialized knowledge in online safety and digital rights, the Twitch Ambassadors program will draw from users who have had a positive impact on the community.
Who are the Twitch Ambassadors?
Twitch Ambassadors are selected based on their exemplary conduct and their ability to foster positive, inclusive communities within Twitch. While they are respected figures on the platform, they may lack the deep, specialized expertise that SAC members brought to the table.
Potential Risks and Concerns
Loss of Expertise: Replacing a council of experts with community ambassadors may result in a significant loss of specialized knowledge in key areas such as digital safety, legal policy, and mental health.
Credibility Issues: Trust and safety issues require rigorous, well-informed approaches. Ambassadors, despite their good intentions, might not have the necessary background to handle complex policy discussions and recommendations.
Community Reaction: Initial reactions from the Twitch community have been mixed. While some appreciate the move towards involving more community voices, others worry that this transition might undermine the seriousness with which Twitch handles security and safety concerns.
The Implications for Twitch’s Future
The dissolution of the SAC raises several pressing questions about Twitch’s overall strategy and long-term commitment to safety and inclusivity. Here are some potential implications:
1. Shift in Safety Strategy
This move could indicate a shift towards a more grassroots, community-driven approach to safety. While involving community members in safety decisions can increase engagement and relevance, it must be balanced with expert input to ensure that policies are robust and effective.
2. Impact on Policy Development
Without the SAC’s expert guidance, Twitch may face challenges in developing nuanced and effective safety policies. The new advisory structure will need to find a way to integrate expert advice, possibly through consulting arrangements or partnerships with external organizations.
3. Perception of Commitment to Safety
This decision might affect how users perceive Twitch’s commitment to safety and inclusivity. Ensuring that the new advisory structure is transparent and effective will be crucial in maintaining user trust.
4. Potential for Innovation
On the flip side, this transition presents an opportunity for innovation. The fresh perspectives brought in by Twitch Ambassadors could lead to creative, community-centric solutions that resonate more directly with the platform’s user base.
Conclusion
Twitch’s decision to dissolve its Safety Advisory Council and replace it with a new group of Twitch Ambassadors is a significant change that marks a new chapter in the platform’s approach to trust and safety. While this move has raised some valid concerns, it also presents opportunities for greater community involvement and innovation in addressing safety issues.
As Twitch moves forward, it will be essential to ensure that the balance between community input and expert guidance is maintained. This approach will help the platform continue to evolve its safety measures while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all users.
For more information on Twitch’s Safety Advisory Council and its role in shaping the platform’s safety policies, visit the Twitch Safety Center.
Sources:
- CNBC: Twitch ends contracts for its Safety Advisory Council
- Yahoo Finance: Amazon’s Twitch terminates members of safety advisory council
- Twitch Safety Center: Safety Advisory Council
- SaltWire: Amazon’s Twitch refurbishes safety advisory council
- Techmeme on Twitter: Twitch terminates its Safety Advisory Council
