Why Are Users Angry About Twitch’s AI Training Feature?
Twitch is once again in hot water — and this time it’s because of an AI training feature that the livestreaming platform has unexpectedly sprung onto its users.
The streaming industry thrives on controversies, and livestreaming platform Twitch is also regularly embroiled in drama. The two recent instances involved Emily “ExtraEmily” Zhang and Zack “Asmongold” Hoyt. Several viewers have demanded that both streamers be permanently banned for different offenses. However, Twitch instead made ExtraEmily a brand ambassador, and Asmongold will return soon. Now, Twitch is again involved in a controversy related to a newly added AI training feature.
Image credit: Twitch
What is Twitch’s AI training feature?
Livestreaming platform Twitch has informed users that their VODs, chats, livestreams, clips, highlights, and other media can be used for Amazon’s generative-AI training. This option is enabled by default, and users must disable it from their Security and Privacy settings. It’s important to note that the opting-out option was added after Twitch received backlash. Twitch’s Chief Product Officer Mike Minton, and Mary Kish, Twitch’s Head of Community discussed this new addition in a stream.
They talked about why the option was enabled by default, and Minton stated that users were opted in by default because nobody would voluntarily turn the feature on. Minton also claimed that Twitch doesn’t know whether Amazon has previously used Twitch creator VODs for AI training. Users can opt out of the feature, with the change applying to both previous and future content.
However, it’s unclear if two streamers stream together and one has the option enabled, while the other has it disabled, which users’ settings will be prioritized. Mike Minton stated that the opt-out should be respected, but the answer wasn’t definitive. Another thing that viewers found ironic was that Twitch itself has the option disabled, which led to several users expressing outrage that the platform is opting-in unsuspecting users.
Image credit: Twitch
There have also been a few claims on social media that users opted out of the feature, but it was automatically turned on later. These remain unverified, and Twitch’s official stance is that users can disable the feature at any given time, which indicates that the server shouldn’t enable it again. However, users who disable the option will still have their chat messages used for AI training if they chat in another Twitch streamer’s chat, who has the feature enabled.
Editor’s view: AI is already controversial in streaming, and Twitch is walking a thin line
Artificial intelligence is typically considered a negative thing by many associated with the streaming industry, as they assume AI may take over some jobs or remove authenticity and spontaneity. Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has previously stated that AI can assist streamers rather than replacing them. However, many creators still consider AI a hurdle.
The case with this current AI feature is that users are angry about not having given consent for Amazon to use their content for training. Twitch enabling the option and then announcing that users can disable it, while also admitting that the platform itself has opted out, is causing the backlash.
Many viewers are also concerned that Twitch was unable to provide sufficient answers to several of the questions. The platform is unsure whether Amazon has previously used VODs or other content, and it’s also up in the air whose setting will be respected if two creators stream together. Some have also said they are worried that their content can later be replicated if it’s used to train AI and aren’t happy that they have to manually opt out of the feature.
Some users are speculating that this feature is linked to Amazon investing in OpenAI in February 2026. Amazon committed $50 billion, and users think this may be why Twitch was selected as the AI training guinea pig. This isn’t confirmed, and it’s speculation at best, but the community is rife with several allegations against Twitch. It remains to be seen how this can affect the platform’s reputation, and ultimately creators and viewers could vote with their feet.
If users get accustomed to the feature and given consent for AI training, then other platforms may also follow Twitch’s lead. However, Twitch is the most established livestreaming platform, so even if it can handle the backlash and make the feature successful, it’s not guaranteed that other livestreaming platforms, such as Kick, can follow suit.
Feature image credit: Twitch
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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