Twitch, the Amazon-owned streaming platform, has updated its Hateful Conduct Policy to classify the term ‘Zionist’ as a potential slur, citing its misuse to attack individuals based on their background or beliefs. The move comes amidst rising criticism on the platform of Israel’s actions in Gaza and its aggression towards Lebanon.
In a blog post on Friday, Twitch explained that using “Zionist” to demean or target individuals or groups violates its guidelines. However, the company clarified that discussing “Zionism” or “Zionist” in political discourse remains permissible, provided it does not target individuals.
“Our goal isn’t to stifle conversation about or criticism of an institution or ideology, but to prevent coded hate directed at individuals and groups of people,” the statement read.
The policy revision follows pressure from figures like U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres and organisations such as the Anti-Defamation League, who accused Twitch of enabling antisemitic content. Torres, a vocal supporter of Israel with significant backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), specifically criticised Twitch for not addressing alleged antisemitic rhetoric, including statements from prominent streamer Hasan Piker, known for his pro-Palestine stance.
The platform’s decision aligns with a broader trend among social media companies tightening restrictions on content critical of Israel. Human Rights Watch previously reported systematic censorship of pro-Palestinian voices on Meta platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, raising concerns about the suppression of dissenting perspectives.
Twitch’s policy shift reflects an ongoing debate about balancing free expression with the need to curb hate speech. Critics argue such changes may disproportionately affect activists and commentators critical of Israeli policies, further limiting discourse around contentious political issues.
