Twitch is allegedly banning new users from Israel and Palestine as people report error messages

Recent developments have raised concerns  on Twitch, the popular Amazon-owned streaming platform. Israeli users attempting to register on Twitch reported receiving unexplained error messages when trying to sign up using Israeli phone numbers or email addresses. Following these complaints, Twitch clarified in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the temporary issue stemmed from measures taken after the October 7, 2023 attacks. 

The platform stated, "We temporarily disabled email verification in Israel and Palestine to prevent graphic content uploads." Twitch acknowledged that the system failed to reactivate properly and apologised, assuring users that the issue has been fixed.

In addition to these technical problems, the platform faced accusations of antisemitism during a panel at its recent TwitchCon event. YouTuber Ethan Klein, a vocal critic, highlighted a discussion involving several content creators, some of whom made comments that could be interpreted as antisemitic. Klein pointed out that the panel, sponsored by brands like Samsung and Capcom, rated online personalities on a scale ranging from “Arab” to “Sabra,” a term associated with the Israeli hummus brand.

Furthermore, Twitch's decision to reinstate controversial creators like Sneako, previously banned for antisemitic content, has drawn criticism. Sneako, who had claimed, "All politicians are controlled by Jews," was brought back alongside the hosts of the "Fresh & Fit" podcast, whose content is often seen as misogynistic and antisemitic. This, combined with the suspension of streamer Asmongold for making anti-Palestinian remarks, has led some to question Twitch's content moderation policies.