Twitch introduces Content Classification Labels for mature content

SAN FRANCISCO — Could this be the start of a new trend? After Roblox, it’s Twitch’s turn to review stream categorisation, adding new Content Classification Labels to flag streams aimed at more mature audiences.

Moderating the content available on social networks and other online platforms is a real issue, not only for creators and users, but also for the platforms themselves and brands, who don’t want to be seen as promoting or being associated with content that is inappropriate for a young audience.

With this in mind, Roblox recently decided to add a category reserved for users aged 17 and over on the platform. And now Twitch has unveiled new categories designed to better classify mature content.

“Twitch is all about building and being part of communities created around what you’re into. To do that, it’s important that content is clearly labelled so you can make informed choices about what you watch. To make both of these things easier for streamers and viewers, we’re introducing Content Classification Labels,” the platform said in a blog post.

On Twitch, these labels will allow users to find the right channels, while protecting under-age users from inappropriate content, and enabling advertisers to better target the desired audience.

To access these streams, users will simply have to give their consent, and will not be automatically blocked according to their age.

From games to streamer behaviour

From now on, instead of applying the general “mature content” label, streamers will have to classify their stream according to the following themes: mature-rated games; sexual themes; drugs, alcohol or excessive tobacco consumption; violent and shocking representations; significant coarseness or vulgarity; and gambling.

This new moderation system applies both to the nature of the games being streamed and to the streamer’s behaviour.

In fact, a streamer who makes excessive use of vulgar language when live will need to add the “significant coarseness or vulgarity” label even if the game in progress is not rated as a mature game.