Twitch updates username policy to remove hateful words Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Twitch updates username policy to remove hateful words Offensive names will be indefinitely suspended. News by Ed Nightingale News reporter Updated on 11 Feb 2022 5 comments Twitch has updated its username policy to remove hateful words and curb harassment. Usernames with abusive terms are often used to harass streamers, particularly those from minority communities. Twitch has already removed many reported offensive names, but the new guidelines will set a stronger standard "to cultivate a diverse, inclusive global community on Twitch", says a blog post on the policy. In addition to names containing hate speech, threats of violence, and personally identifiable information, Twitch will also remove reported usernames that reference sexual acts, arousal, fluids, or genitalia, as well as references to hard drugs (excluding alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana). To enforce this, Twitch is introducing a tiered approach. If an existing username clearly violates Twitch's overall community guidelines, indefinite suspensions will be issued. If an existing username violates the new policy but is not a clear violation of wider community guidelines, the account will be locked and flagged for reset. If users attempt to create a new username that violates the new policy, Twitch's machine learning model will prevent creation. The new policy will be enforced from 1st March to allow users to amend their names as necessary. "We want Twitch to be safe. We want Twitch to be inclusive. We want Twitch to be a place for positivity. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping make Twitch a place we all want to be," reads the blog post. Though it's surprising it's taken this long for Twitch to create such guidelines, they will go some way in curbing harassment on the platform - particularly hate raids from users with abusive usernames. You can read the new username policy in full here. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store