Twitch Allows Users to Opt Out of AI Training on Livestreams

Twitch announced Wednesday that users can now opt out of a default setting that allowed Amazon to use their streams, clips, images, chats, and other channel content for training generative artificial intelligence (AI) models. The move comes after widespread backlash from the platform's user base.

Amazon, which acquired Twitch in 2014, has significantly invested in AI development as it competes with other major technology companies. The confirmation that Twitch content was being used for AI training prompted a strong negative reaction from many users.

During a stream on the platform, Twitch's chief product officer Mike Minton stated that the AI training data collection was enabled by default, similar to many other content services. He explained that if the setting were opt-in, "nobody would opt-in." Minton also clarified that content from users who remain opted in could be used for training, but this data would not be resold to other companies.

Mary Kish, head of community at Twitch, provided a tutorial on how to disable generative AI training through channel settings. She acknowledged that the decision might not be popular, stating, "We don't expect you to be happy or excited about this." Kish also noted that data collection for AI training has become an industry standard.

Despite the platform's executives explaining the opt-out process and industry norms, the stream's chat was filled with criticism. Users expressed concerns about their creativity and content being used to train AI, with some suggesting Twitch had an opportunity to set a different industry standard.

It remains unclear when Amazon began collecting Twitch user data for AI training. Minton indicated during the stream that he did not know if user data had already been collected for training or what specific Amazon AI models had utilized or not utilized such data.