Twitch has introduced a new anti-harassment capability that allows streamers to block banned users from viewing their live streams.
The feature allows channel owners to turn on “Prevent banned users from watching the stream” in the moderation settings of the Creator Dashboard.
Prevent banned users from accessing the stream
Previously, banned users could still watch streams and were only restricted from chatting.
Streamers can now completely ban stalkers from any platform. The option is also applied automatically with account lockout.
In August, Twitch said the development of the view blocking tool was in response to long-standing community feedback.
Many streamers argued that the ability to ban should extend beyond chat restrictions to prevent the involvement of harassers.
Gradual implementation may take time
Twitch noted that the new capability may take time to reach all channel owners during its phased rollout.
Some Twitch streamers have already gained access, although full availability is still unclear. Twitch did not provide a firm timeline.
Part of broader anti-bullying efforts
The feature complements other recent security additions, such as ban evasion detection and sharing of banned user lists.
Twitch aims to equip streamers and moderators with layered tools tailored to their needs against toxic users.
Why is blocking views important for streamer security?
For many streamers, the option to completely block harassers from any activity on their channel closes an important gap in protecting their community and themselves.
Prevent further harm from known abusers
Banning abusers from chat access only allowed them to continue viewing and interacting with streams through other means.
Bullies and bad actors could feel empowered and continue harming streamers despite chat bans. No more.
Promote a greater sense of security
The view blocking feature provides essential peace of mind, preventing toxic users from remotely spying on streamers.
Feeling safe on camera is essential for streamers, especially those from vulnerable communities that are disproportionately targeted.
Reduce the participation of abusers on all platforms
Preventing harassers from accessing any streams reduces their opportunities for further abuse and removes incentives to participate.
Outright bans help evict bad actors rather than allowing them limited interaction.
Challenges in addressing online harassment
While progress is appreciated, blocking views alone will not solve the complex problem of harassment on Twitch and social media.
Bullying is a persistent and evolving problem
As Twitch noted, targeted harassment is constantly changing shape and manifesting new threats that require sustained innovation.
Comprehensive solutions combine empathy, user knowledge, policies and versatile technological tools.
Balancing support and responsibility
There are tensions inherent in protecting victims while upholding speech rights and appropriately assigning blame.
Twitch must carefully balance empathy, safety, transparency, proportionality, and due process in response.
Looking beyond platform design alone
Ultimately, bullying arises from broader social problems that go beyond the scope of any one company.
While vital, better platform design can only complement the promotion of educational, community and institutional change.
Conclusion
By allowing streamers to completely block banned bullies from their channels, Twitch takes an important step in empowering victims of harassment. However, sustained diligence across technological, social and political spheres is still required to create truly safer and more inclusive online spaces.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn