Twitch allows Amazon to train its generative artificial intelligence (AI) models using users' livestreams, clips, images, chats, and other channel content. The platform announced this via a livestream and a post on X on Wednesday.
The announcement sparked criticism from users, with hundreds of negative comments appearing in the livestream chat regarding the company's decision.
Twitch has introduced a 'Training for Generative AI' setting under the Security and Privacy section of users' account settings. This allows users to opt out of having their content used for Amazon's AI training.
While multiple sources state the 'Training for Generative AI' setting is enabled by default on Twitch accounts, one source explicitly states it is not yet clear whether the setting is default-on.
If it's opt-in, nobody would opt-in. That's the honest answer.
Minton stated he does not know if Amazon used Twitch users' data for AI training before the opt-out setting was introduced. He also said that if Amazon did not use the content, other companies would have done so.
The opt-out setting only applies to future training and cannot retroactively remove data that has already been used in prior AI model training.
Scope and impact of the opt-out
Users who choose to opt out are still at risk of having their chat messages used if they appear in the livestream of a user who has not opted out. The streamer's setting governs all chat contributions, even if they include comments from users who have opted out.
According to Twitch, opting out does not affect other AI-powered features such as AutoMod, automated subtitles, content recommendations, or sponsorship tools.
Twitch's privacy policy allows Amazon to use channel content for purposes other than generative AI training, even if users opt out.
Company response and industry context
We don't expect you to be happy or excited about this.
Kish stated that she personally opted out of Amazon's AI training.
Twitch and Amazon do not resell users' data to other companies for AI training purposes.
The policy is consistent with industry standards for content platforms. Amazon is not the first tech company to use public user content for generative AI training without opt-in consent, following similar practices by Meta.
Twitch is owned by Amazon.
Minton stated he would not opt out himself if he were a streamer.
