Twitch has been banning people on its platform for various terms of service violations since its release in 2011, but a popular World of Warcraft streamer has taken to his community to discuss inconsistencies with the process and a double standard that exists.
Popular World of Warcraft streamer Asmongold was recently broadcasting on Twitch when he started criticizing the platform for creating an "anti-woman sentiment" due to a temporary Indiefoxx ban that may have been more severe for streamers such as Forsen. Forsen was penalized with an indefinite Twitch ban towards the end of 2020 when he showed an inappropriate gif during one of his live broadcasts, meanwhile, Indiefoxx was only temporarily banned for multiple violations.
RELATED: Twitch Streamer Ludwig Becomes Second to Gain 200,000 Subs
Indiefoxx was recently banned from Twitch for a fourth time for three days for “selling or attempting to sell Twitch features or services.” Asmongold wasn't pleased with the temporary ban according to his recent stream as other streamers have been harshly punished for much less. Indiefoxx has also violated Twitch's nudity and attire policy after she wrote subscriber names all over her body during a livestream, while her hot tub streams don't violate Twitch policies. Asmongold claims that this selective banning process illustrates a double standard on the platform, in addition to "fermenting and creating a lot of anti-woman sentiment."
“I think anybody would see that by the way she’s been acting, and the way other people have been acting, what the difference in the punishment is,” said Asmongold during his recent Twitch stream. “It’s very clear that something is not right... I think they need to do something about it because every single other person sees that and it creates this discontent. That’s why I think that unfairness is so insidious. It’s so subversive.”
Asmongold has previously gone on the record to discuss the clothing worn by certain Twitch streamers, claiming that as long as it follows Twitch policy, it should be no problem. The growth of the "Just Chatting" section of Twitch has created several instances of streamers accusing Twitch of issuing suspensions unfairly and it's creating a division in the streaming community. QTCinderella recently spoke out against the hot tub stream for encouraging sexism and creating unfair standards for female Twitch streamers, while Indiefoxx's violations have extended even further.
Asmongold claimed that Twitch’s actions have created a narrative that some people are punished harshly, while others aren't punished at all for the same actions. Twitch continues to expand at a rapid pace and it's a delicate and meticulous process to not only decide on what channels to ban out of the millions that exist but also specific violations that Twitch streamers violate and how long the ban should be. While Asmongold has valid concerns backed up by examples of what he's talking about, Twitch has a policy for a reason and still punishes a vast majority of streamers for violations.
MORE: Updated Twitch Guidelines Will Help Company Crack Down on Harassment
Source: Dexerto