Amazon is using Twitch to train generative AI

Twitch users now have the option to block Amazon from using their content to train AI models. Amazon owns the popular streaming platform Twitch, and by default, the company allows Amazon to collect data generated by creators and audiences to train AI. However, users can opt out of this data collection, though the announcement sparked backlash with some questioning why it was allowed in the first place.

Twitch's chief product officer, Mike Minton, admitted that the data was collected by default to "respect users," adding that if opt-in was required, nobody would participate. The collected data will not be resold to other companies. Users who opt out can prevent Amazon from using their channel content, including audio, images, chats, and videos, to train Amazon's generative AI models.

These models could help improve automatic subtitles on Twitch streams and Amazon videos. Some users and streamers have criticized the move, with one streamer calling it "criminal" and another questioning the implications for game developers. Despite the opt-out option, some users reported that the feature was still enabled after changing the settings.