Twitch has made a significant shift in its approach to platform safety by terminating all nine members of its Safety Advisory Council, effective May 31, 2024. The council, established in 2020, included notable figures such as Dr. Sameer Hinduja, co-director of the Cyber Bullying Research Center, and Dr. T.L. Taylor, co-founder of AnyKey. These experts were brought on to draft policies, develop safety products, and protect marginalized groups. However, in a meeting on May 6, the members were informed that their contracts would not be renewed, and they would not be compensated for the second half of the year.
Twitch’s decision appears to be part of a broader cost-cutting strategy. The company had previously laid off 35% of its workforce and reduced the revenue streamers earn from Twitch Prime subscriptions. While the Safety Advisory Council members were paid between $10,000 and $20,000 annually, it’s unclear if their replacements, Twitch Ambassadors, will receive any compensation. The shift to Ambassadors is intended to inject new perspectives from active community members who have firsthand experience with Twitch’s safety policies.
Elizabeth Busby, Twitch’s trust and safety communications manager, stated that the new council members will bring diverse experiences to the platform’s safety efforts. The change aims to leverage the insights of Twitch Ambassadors, who are recognized for their positive contributions and inspirational stories within the community. This restructuring reflects Twitch’s ongoing efforts to adapt and maintain a sustainable business model amid financial pressures.
