Twitch faces backlash unbanning HasanAbi after one-day ban over terrorist content discussion
Twitch is facing criticism from parts of the online community after reinstating political commentator Hasan Piker, known as “HasanAbi,” just over a day after suspending him for “improper handling of terrorist propaganda.”
HasanAbi was banned on May 25, 2025, after covering the motives behind a shooting involving Israeli embassy staff. According to Twitch's Terms of Service, even critical examination of terrorist content can lead to suspension. Hasan addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I believe this is a bad policy for news and press freedom. I’ll take the suspension, but hope Twitch changes this policy in the future.”
i covered the motives of the israeli embassy staff shooter. twitch tos dictates a suspension for even critical examination of the manifesto. i believe this is a bad policy for news and press freedom.
ill take the suspension, but hope twitch changes this policy in the future. pic.twitter.com/52nOS0Lq9HShortly after his statement, Twitch reinstated his channel. According to the automated account @StreamerBans, the suspension lasted one day, six minutes, and 20 seconds. The short duration of the ban has drawn scrutiny from viewers and fellow streamers.
Reddit users on r/LivestreamFail criticised the timing and impact of the suspension, with one commenting, “They banned him during his day off, so the ban means nothing.” Another wrote, “Allow CEO’s favourite streamer to spread terrorist propaganda… problem solved.”
Prominent Twitch personality Zack "Asmongold" also weighed in, criticising Twitch’s approach to moderation. “24-hour suspensions serve no purpose and act more often as a reward than punishment through the extra attention they create,” he said. “Why ban for critiquing a terrorist manifesto but not for endorsement?”
24 hour suspensions serve no purpose and act more often as a reward than punishment through the extra attention they create
Why ban for critiquing a terrorist manifesto/propaganda but not for endorsement
Is criticizing terrorism ToS but promoting isnt?
Make it make senseThe backlash has reignited tensions between the two streamers. In response to Asmongold's remarks, HasanAbi referred to him as a “disgusting little creature.”
The controversy underscores growing concerns around Twitch’s content moderation policies and highlights broader debates on censorship, journalistic freedom, and consistency in platform enforcement.