Recent developments have raised concerns about Twitch, Amazon's popular streaming platform. Israeli users who tried to register on Twitch reported receiving unexplained error messages when trying to log in with Israeli phone numbers or email addresses. Following these complaints, Twitch clarified in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that the temporary issue was due to actions taken following the October 7, 2023 attacks.

The platform said: “We have temporarily disabled email verification in Israel and Palestine to prevent the upload of graphic content.” Twitch acknowledged that the system could not be properly reactivated, apologized and reassured users that the problem has been resolved.

In addition to these technical issues, the platform faced accusations of anti-Semitism during a panel discussion 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 anti-Semitic. Klein pointed out that the panel, sponsored by brands like Samsung and Capcom, rated online personalities on a scale from “Arab” to “Sabra,” a term associated with the Israeli hummus brand.

Additionally, Twitch's decision to reinstate controversial YouTubers like Sneako, who were previously banned for anti-Semitic content, has drawn criticism. Sneako, who claimed “all politicians are controlled by Jews,” was brought back to host the Fresh & Fit podcast, whose content is often viewed as misogynistic and anti-Semitic. This, along with streamer Asmongold's suspension for anti-Palestinian comments, has led some to question Twitch's content moderation policies.