Twitch has updated its username policy as the streaming service wants to create a better online community and protect minorities from harassment and abuse.
Twitch's New Username Guidelines
Twitch is on a mission to create a safer and more inclusive environment on the platform as hate raids have increased and affected hundreds of users, according to Engadget.
The streaming service believes that the update can decrease harassment cases. Users now have to follow the new username guidelines regarding what name they want to go by. Those that don't comply will be banned from the site.
The streaming platform has released a full list of what can't be used as usernames. The list is very reasonable, even though numerous users will have to alter or fully change their names just to comply with the guidelines.
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Usernames must not refer and get involved in violence and threats, breaking the law, terrorism, child exploitation, hateful conduct, harassment, unauthorized sharing of private information, sexual harassment, glorification of tragedies, impersonation of another person, drugs, drug abuse, and sexual acts.
However, there are a couple of exceptions to using drugs as a username. References to marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol are acceptable, as per Twitch's blog post.
But if the username includes hard drugs like cocaine and meth, you will need to change it if you wish to continue using the platform.
Twitch stated that to ensure that the community is inclusive and safe, all inappropriate account names that violate the new guidelines are prohibited.
The streaming service added that they decided to update the guidelines because they know that usernames impact the platform because they are persistent, more visible, and cross-functional.
Because of this, they upgraded the standards for usernames to reduce harm on the site.
Users who do not follow the new rules will face an indefinite suspension, but Twitch has stated that some can request a username reset, depending on the circumstances.
Twitch stated that in instances where they believe users may be acting in good faith, they will mandate a username or display name reset instead of indefinitely suspending the accounts, according to Metro.
The username resets are usually done in situations where the name would violate this username policy but would not constitute a violation of the site's guidelines for other types of content.
Some violations of the guidelines in usernames that are particularly sensitive may result in a username reset.
It is a good move, but it will take time to see if it will have an impact on the platform or if violators will find another way to harass other users.
In 2019, Twitch phone verification was added to help combat harassment on the site.
Twitch's Other Plans to Combat Hate Raids
According to Dexerto, the Vice President of Global Trust and Safety at Twitch, Angela Hession released a letter on Jan. 12 that details Twitch's steps to thwart unacceptable trends and what they want out this year.
Hession wrote that as last year showed everyone, there will always be bad actors motivated enough to spread hate and evade the site's policies.
Twitch wants to consider specific outliers who are set to cause harm to the service and other users. Moving forward, the platform will look to strike a better balance between communicating to its communities and keeping violations at bay.
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Written by Sophie Webster
