Amazon trains generative AI on Twitch content by default
Amazon configured Twitch to use streamer and audience content to train generative AI models by default, requiring users to manually opt out. The practice sparked backlash after Twitch executives acknowledged the default-on approach was intentional to maximize participation.
What happened
Twitch enabled a setting by default that allows Amazon to use channel content to train generative AI models. Users can opt out of the setting through the Security and Privacy tab of user settings, but Twitch Chief Product Officer Mike Minton stated during a livestream that the setting was turned on by default because 'if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in.'
Reported impact
Twitch users and gaming communities expressed outrage over the default opt-out approach. The top post on Twitch's User Voice forums requesting that all AI features be optional and opted out by default received over 13,000 votes and 4,000 comments in support.
Index analysis
The setting allows Amazon to use any channel content, including audio and video game footage, to train generative AI models. According to Twitch, the data could be used to refine speech-to-text models for automatic subtitles and other purposes, but would not be re-sold to other companies.
Governance controls
Twitch announced the opt-out setting on Wednesday following the backlash. Mike Minton said the company was 'respecting' users by letting them opt out, though the admission about requiring a default-on setting to achieve participation raised questions about the transparency and user consent model.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.