Twitch enhances anti-harassment measures: banned users now blocked from viewing streams

Twitch has recently updated its platform with enhanced anti-harassment features, allowing streamers to block banned users from viewing their streams. This development comes in response to the persistent challenge of online harassment, including unwarranted abuse, hate speech, and offensive content faced by users on the platform.

According to the Twitch help page, “If you’re the channel owner, you can prevent banned users from watching your livestreams.” This feature can be found in the Moderation Settings, where the streamer can opt in by toggling the 'Stop banned users from viewing stream setting' on.

Previously, Twitch only provided tools to prevent banned users from participating in a stream's chat, but did not restrict their ability to watch the streams. This update is a direct response to community feedback and is part of Twitch's ongoing efforts to combat harassment on the platform.

However, this feature only applies to users who are logged into their Twitch account. Currently, the site does not support IP blocking. Furthermore, the feature is not yet available to all users. Twitch has stated that it may take time for all channel owners to gain access to this feature, but has not specified a timeline for its full roll-out.