Twitch Introduces Content Filtering – Users Can Now Hide Broadcasts on “Sexualized Topics”

Twitch, the streaming service, has announced the introduction of new features that allow users to customize content settings in search results and sensitive content recommendation feed.

This includes the ability to blur thumbnails for sensitive broadcasts and filter content based on its rated tags. Both features, initially mentioned by Twitch’s administration earlier this January, are now fully functional and accessible to all users of the platform.

The new features give the platform’s users the ability to:

  • Hide content that comes with certain Classification Tags (CTs);
  • Streams with selected CTs will not be recommended to the user and will not appear when browsing categories or searching for content;
  • Automatically block content tagged with “Sexual Themes”, “Drugs, Intoxication, or Excessive Use of Tobacco”, “Violence and Graphic Depictions of Violence”, and/or “Gambling” for viewers under the age of 18.

Concerning the blurring of thumbnails for broadcasts, it is, by default, enabled for content tagged as “Sexual Themes”. Users can switch off this feature in their “Content Preferences” settings.

When activated, thumbnails for broadcasts tagged “Sexual Themes” will automatically blur when browsing categories, recommendations, or searching for content.

Twitch emphasizes that content tagging allows viewers to make informed decisions about the content they want to watch. Repeated failures in the proper use of tags could result in an account being blocked, possibly for a significant period.

Twitch’s administration is hopeful that these changes will allow viewers to personalize their Twitch experience and simplify the process of choosing the communities they wish to be a part of.

This post was last modified on 05/22/2024

Matthew Harmon: Hey folks, I'm Matt Harmon, your storyteller in the dynamic realm where technology and gaming collide. As an author for tech and gaming news on Dave's iPAQ, I'm on a mission to unravel the tales that shape the digital landscapes we live, work, and play in. From the pixelated nostalgia of retro consoles to the immersive worlds of virtual reality, gaming is more than a passion – it's a way of life. I delve into the latest releases, gaming industry trends, and the ever-evolving technology that elevates our gaming experiences. In the fast-paced world of technology, I'm your guide through the digital labyrinth. Whether it's the latest gadgets, software updates, or breakthrough innovations, I'm here to break down the jargon and deliver tech news in a way that's accessible to all. Working on Dave's iPAQ isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to connect with a community that shares the excitement for the convergence of technology and gaming. I engage in discussions, share insights, and explore the interplay between the virtual and the real.