Broadcasters using Twitch’s service must wear clothing that is not sexually suggestive, and nude torsos are not allowed.
Twitch updated its rules of conduct yesterday to clarify its policies on the behavior depicted in videos, sexually explicit content, hate speech, and a dress code. Twitch states people on camera must clothe their torsos regardless of their gender.
The rules of conduct stipulate “wearing no clothing or sexually suggestive clothing – including lingerie, swimsuits, pasties, and undergarments – is prohibited, as well as any full nude torsos, which applies to both male and female broadcasters.” Twitch added that if broadcasters are in an area where it’s hot enough that people may not be wearing shirts or if they’re wearing swimsuits, the webcam picture must be cropped to a person’s face.
Twitch’s reason for instituting this rule is to keep content “about the games.” A rule at the end of the list also states channels’ primary focus should be about games.
A Twitch representative downplayed the significance of the company’s rule on acceptable dress, calling it “common sense.”
Some have reacted to the new rule by calling attention to women streaming on Twitch, claiming they wear low-cut tops for more views. However, women’s tank tops are not “sexually suggestive,” according to Twitch’s examples, which focus on underwear and swimsuits.
Twitch did, however, prohibit content that places nudity as the core focus or feature of the game. Modded nudity is also not allowed.
Harassment, racism, sexism, and homophobia, and other hate speech are all prohibited, and Twitch states anyone engaging in hate speech will “disappear from Twitch.” Twitch also asks broadcasters to respect non-disclosure agreement periods and to refrain from “hacking, botting, or cheating” in online games.
An earlier update to Twitch’s terms and conditions required broadcasters participating with Twitch and a third-party to label videos that are part of an influencer campaign.
Source: Twitch
Published: Oct 28, 2014 05:26 pm