Twitch has confirmed that content uploaded by streamers can be used to train Amazon’s generative AI models. The policy covers streams, stream chats, VODs, Clips, Highlights, and text and images on channels. However, creators must actively opt out if they do not want their content to be used for future training.

The move has drawn criticism from streamers, particularly because the setting is enabled by default. Twitch Support said on August 12 that creators could opt out of having their channel content used to train generative AI models across Amazon.

Twitch executives later addressed the backlash during a livestream. Mike Minton acknowledged that an opt-in system would likely see little participation. “If it’s opt-in, nobody would opt-in,” he said. Twitch’s head of community, Mary Kish, said, “We don’t expect you to be happy or excited about this. I don’t expect anyone to react to this favourably.” Kish added that opting out would prevent content from being used for future training.

However, the setting does not cover every AI or machine-learning system used by Twitch. The platform will continue to use tools such as AutoMod and AI-supported features such as captions.

Streamers link decision to Amazon: Several Twitch streamers and VTubers have linked the AI training policy to Amazon’s control over Twitch. Game developer and Twitch streamer Pirate Software wrote that “this situation shows that Twitch is not in control of its own course moving forward and Amazon is.” He said harvesting data for generative AI training was not in Twitch’s interest and claimed Amazon was “forcing this action against their wishes”. Pirate Software also compared Twitch with Kick, saying Kick’s CEO had stated that the platform had no agreement with AI companies to use content for training.

Meanwhile, EN VTuber Ky wrote: “I feel somewhat bad for Twitch cause I know Amazon basically forced this on them and they’re all in on AI.” Indie VTuber Shyphlosion also argued that Twitch made the setting opt-out because an opt-in system would attract little participation.

Backlash from the community: Twitch streamers and VTubers have also criticised Twitch over the default setting, with some discussing leaving the platform. VTuber Shinnya said they wanted time “to reflect on where to migrate from Twitch” because they did not agree with the policy. VTuber and creator Millie The Kaiju called for VTuber artists to consider legal action against Amazon over what she described as copyright infringement.

Shinnya also said their stream was cancelled while they took time to consider their options. Meanwhile, VTuber Nanosnaker questioned whether Twitch had already been using streamer content for AI training before publicly introducing the opt-out setting.

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