Twitch has faced significant user backlash following disclosure that the platform permits Amazon to utilize creator and audience-generated content for training artificial intelligence models. The data collection occurs through a setting enabled by default on the streaming service, which Amazon owns.
While users retain the ability to disable this feature, Twitch’s chief product officer Mike Minton acknowledged during a livestream that the opt-in approach would be ineffective, stating that few users would voluntarily participate if required to actively enable the setting. Minton specified that content from opted-in users may be used to train generative AI models, though the collected data will not be sold to third parties.
Twitch provided guidance on disabling the feature, requiring users to navigate to their Streamer Dashboard settings and toggle off the “training for Generative AI” option under the Security and Privacy tab. The platform indicated potential applications for the collected data, including improvements to automatic subtitles and speech-to-text technology. Some users expressed concern regarding implications for game developers, as the feature would allow Amazon’s AI systems to be trained on video game content streamed on the platform.
Criticism emerged not only regarding the default-enabled status but also from reports that some users found the setting reactivated after disabling it. Mary Kish, Twitch’s head of community, characterized data collection for AI training as standard industry practice while acknowledging low user satisfaction with the initiative. Minton stated uncertainty regarding whether user data had already been collected for model training purposes prior to the announcement.
Amazon acquired Twitch for approximately $1 billion in 2014 and has pursued substantial investments in artificial intelligence development as it competes with major technology firms including Google and Meta.
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