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Twitch bans use of “Zionist”

Published :  
16-11-2024 10:49|
Last Updated :  
16-11-2024 10:52|
Tech

Twitch announced that it now prohibits using the term “Zionist” to insult or denigrate people in an update to its Hateful Conduct policy.

“Starting today, using the term ‘Zionist’ to attack or demean another individual or group of people on the basis of their background or religious belief is against our rules,” Twitch said in its announcement.

“The language used to cause harm and spread hate changes over time,” Twitch stated. “To ensure our policies adapt to those changes, we review them and how they're applied to prevent those harms.”

Twitch has become a growing hub for political commentary, with creators often using the platform to debate sensitive topics. High-profile figures, including lawmakers and activists, have also turned to Twitch as a venue for political engagement, adding to the challenge of moderating such a dynamic space.

However, Twitch clarified that the policy does not ban all uses of the term. “Using the term to refer to the political movement, whether in a supportive or critical way, does not violate our Hateful Conduct policy,” the platform said.

This policy change follows a letter sent by US Representative Ritchie Torres to Twitch on November 4, alleging the platform had allowed antisemitic content to persist, specifically targeting Turkish-American streamer Hasan Piker who has been staunchly committed to the pro-Palestine movement and calls out others who support the Israeli Occupation.

Torres, who recently secured reelection in New York with over USD 500,000 in campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), accused Twitch of failing to address harmful stereotypes and tropes targeting Jewish individuals.

Twitch announced the policy adjustment just 11 days after receiving the letter.

Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which played a role in pressuring Twitch to ban several Arab streamers, has also taken credit for the platform's recent policy revision.

On X, ADL expressed approval of Twitch’s decision, stating, "We are glad Twitch acted on our recommendation to make this change."

The ADL's position on the matter is clear: the organization maintains that "anti-Zionists are antisemitic."

 - Broader context and industry trends -

This change mirrors actions taken by other platforms, such as Meta, which implemented similar restrictions earlier this year, citing the term “Zionist” being increasingly used as a stand-in for antisemitic attacks.

 - Policy changes spark debate -

The decision drew mixed reactions from Twitch users and advocacy groups.

Many have called out Twitch for "hypocrisy" as the platform has failed to address a recent Islamophobic incident by high-profile streamer Ethan Klein from the h3h3productions.

In a recent livestream, Klein played a game called "Twitch or Terrorist" where he placed an image of Piker next to an image of Osama bin Laden, comparing the two.

The incident left a bad taste in the mouths of many as Twitch's Hateful Content Policy favors and protects one group but not another.

Here are some online reactions:

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