Twitch unveiled a new Privacy Center on Thursday to enhance users’ awareness and control over their personal data.
“The New Twitch Privacy Center is live!” Twitch Support announced on X (formerly Twitter).
According to Twitch, research shows that most of its users don’t know how their data is collected and used. The new Privacy Center was designed to address users’ concerns and fill this knowledge gap.
Mel De Leon, Twitch’s Principal Product Manager of Privacy, told TechCrunch that the Privacy Center offers “clear, actionable information” on privacy rights. The Privacy Center simplifies privacy settings and empowers users with the information and tools required to manage their data, Leon explained.
“At Twitch, our mission is to empower streamers to build communities. Privacy is a vital part of that process,” Twitch’s Privacy Center states.
Twitch’s New Privacy Center
Twitch’s Privacy Center offers a detailed explanation of personal data, how it’s collected (via user input, cookies, and third-party sources), and how users can actively manage this data.
It explains how users can control their privacy settings. For example, by modifying cookie preferences, managing how their data is shared with extensions, and opting out of ad tracking and third-party advertising.
Twitch also explains how users can access the data Twitch has about them, opt out of data sharing, and even delete their personal information from Twitch.
The Center simplifies complex privacy concepts, making them accessible to Twitch’s predominantly young audience — over 70 percent are aged 18 to 34.
Gamers “need to be able to trust that Twitch is doing the right things to keep your personal data safe, respecting your privacy rights, and equipping you with the tools needed to make the right decisions,” Twitch said.
Protecting Your Privacy on Twitch
Twitch has had its fair share of security challenges over the years, emphasizing the need for users to take control of their privacy on the platform.
In October 2021, Twitch suffered a significant data breach that exposed source code and user payouts due to a server configuration error. Meanwhile, a Whizcase report published in January found Twitch accounts, among other hacked social media accounts, for sale on the dark web.
Threat actors are also lurking on Twitch, using deceptive schemes to spread malware and harvest user data. In October, a fake Rockstar Games channel was banned after claiming to offer beta access to GTA 6. The bogus offer was part of an elaborate ruse to steal user data.
Besides optimizing your privacy settings via the Twitch Privacy Center, we recommend using a VPN to boost your privacy further. Check out our guide to the best free Twitch VPNs for our top picks.
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