Aug 23, 2021 - Technology
Twitch streamers revolt
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Streamers will hold a one-day blackout on Twitch to raise awareness of hateful practices on the platform.
Why it matters: The movement, #ADayOffTwitch, is an attempt to draw attention and support for streamers facing — and fighting against — hate raids.
- During these raids, malicious users will swarm marginalized streamers with racist and hateful language and symbols.
- A group of streamers, including ShineyPen, RekItRaven and LuciaEverblack, are encouraging others to not stream on Sept. 1.
- "I think it's important to come together in a display of solidarity with those who have been affected by these hate raids," Raven told Axios.
The big picture: Massive outcry from the community is one way to get Twitch to enact better policies.
- The Twitter movement "Twitch Do Better" pushed the company to promise better practices.
- "You’re asking us to do better, and we know we need to do more to address these issues," the company said this month. "That includes an open and ongoing dialogue about creator safety."
The bottom line: Twitch still has a long way to go to improve the platform for anyone who isn't a cishet white male.
- "People's lives are literally in danger when this group behind the hate raids are making it a point to put personal information into random chats," Raven told Axios. "We need change, and we need it now."
