Twitch is overhauling its suspensions policy | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Aisha Malik

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Twitch is overhauling its suspension policy, moving away from a strict all-or-nothing approach to a more targeted system. The new policy introduces two types of suspensions: streaming suspensions and chatting suspensions. This means that users who violate Twitch’s Community Guidelines will face penalties that align with the specific nature of their offense. For example, if a user is caught breaking rules during a livestream, they will be suspended from streaming but can still watch other streams, chat on other channels, and access their dashboard. Similarly, those who violate guidelines in chat will lose the ability to participate in chats across other streams but can continue streaming themselves. The company explained that this change aims to improve enforcement by tailoring penalties to match the severity of the offense. While higher severity violations will still result in both streaming and chatting suspensions, minor offenses will now come with more limited restrictions. For instance, users who break rules during a livestream will only lose access to streaming, while those who violate guidelines in chat will be unable to participate in chats on other streams but can still stream their own content. The length of these temporary suspensions remains unchanged, ranging from 24 hours to 30 days, with repeat offenders facing longer penalties or indefinite suspension. This shift reflects Twitch’s commitment to balancing community safety with user experience. By allowing users to access parts of the platform even when suspended, Twitch is aiming to reduce the impact of minor violations while still holding serious offenders accountable. The company also emphasized that severe violations, such as those causing physical, emotional, or financial harm, will result in indefinite suspensions and a loss of all platform access. This approach not only protects the community but also ensures that Twitch remains a vibrant space for creators and viewers alike. The new policy demonstrates Twitch’s evolution as a tech startup prioritizing user experience while maintaining accountability. By refining its suspension system, Twitch is signaling its commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive environment without over-p

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/24/2026