Twitch Ends Safety Advisory Council Contracts

Introduction to the Safety Advisory Council

Twitch, a leading game streaming platform, has announced the termination of all its Safety Advisory Council members. This council was established in 2020 to address trust and safety issues and consisted of nine experts from various fields. Their role was crucial in consulting on policies related to children's safety, nudity, banned users, and other relevant topics.

The Original Purpose of the Council

The Safety Advisory Council was conceived to enhance Twitch's approach to issues of trust and safety. According to a Twitch webpage, the council's mission included:

• Policy Development: Drafting new policies and updating existing ones to address emerging safety concerns.
• Product Development: Providing insights for developing features aimed at improving safety and moderation on the platform.
• Marginalized Groups Support: Protecting the interests of marginalized communities on Twitch.

Key Members of the Council

The council included renowned professionals such as Dr. Sameer Hinduja, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, Emma Llansó, director of the Center for Democracy and Technology's Free Expression Project, and Dr. T.L. Taylor, co-founder of AnyKey. Despite their valuable contributions, the council's contracts were abruptly terminated.

End of Contracts and Restructuring

On May 6, council members were informed via email that their contracts would end on May 31, 2024. They were notified they wouldn't receive payment for the second half of the year. This move is part of a larger restructuring effort by Twitch to diversify its advisory pool. A Twitch spokesperson mentioned that the council in its new format would comprise individuals serving as Twitch Ambassadors, chosen for their positive impact on the community.

The Future with Twitch Ambassadors

Twitch Ambassadors are streaming platform users recognized for their influential contributions to the Twitch community. In the new council format, their primary role will be to bring fresh, diverse perspectives to safety issues. This shift aims to integrate the voices of those directly involved in the Twitch ecosystem.

Financial and Operational Factors

Payments to original council members ranged from $10,000 to $20,000 annually, depending on the contract length. The termination coincides with a period of financial tightening and layoffs across the tech industry. Twitch, an Amazon-owned company, had previously downsized its trust and safety team by approximately 15%. The potential cost-saving measure comes at a time when content moderation is increasingly crucial due to rising cyberbullying and misinformation challenges.

Industry Reactions and Broader Implications

Twitch's decision has sparked a range of responses from industry observers. While some see the restructuring as a necessary evolution, others express concerns about the potential impact on platform safety. The reduction in dedicated expert advisors could affect Twitch's ability to efficiently manage complex safety issues.

Conclusion

As Twitch transitions its Safety Advisory Council to a new structure primarily composed of Twitch Ambassadors, the platform faces both opportunities and challenges. The emphasis on fresh perspectives aims to strengthen community involvement but also raises questions about maintaining high safety standards. Only time will reveal the effectiveness of this new approach as Twitch navigates these significant changes.