Latest news with #twitch
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
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. — hasanabi (@hasanthehun) May 25, 2025 Shortly 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 sense — Zack (@Asmongold) May 25, 2025 The 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.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
HasanAbi banned from Twitch for violating terrorist content policy after covering museum shooting motives
Political commentator and Twitch streamer Hasan "HasanAbi" Piker has received his sixth ban from Twitch. On May 25, 2025, the automated X account @StreamerBans reported the suspension, citing "improper handling of terrorist propaganda" as the reason. When users attempt to access HasanAbi's channel, a message appears stating the ban resulted from a violation of Twitch's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. According to Twitch, the platform prohibits the sharing of content related to terrorist or violent extremist groups, even when shown critically. This includes streaming extremist manifestos or recruitment materials, even while denouncing them. 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. — hasanabi (@hasanthehun) May 25, 2025 Hasan addressed the ban on X, explaining that he was critically analyzing the motives behind a recent shooting at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. He argued that Twitch's policy penalizes even journalistic coverage. 'I believe this is a bad policy for news and press freedom,' he wrote. 'I'll take the suspension, but hope Twitch changes this policy in the future.' In response to criticism from users accusing him of calling the attack a "false flag," Hasan clarified that he aimed to counter such rumors by showing the shooter's motives. 'Ironically enough, I was showing his motive to dispel the rumors of a false flag,' he stated. Meanwhile, fellow content creator Ethan Klein of the H3 Podcast reacted with a one-word comment: 'Yikes!' This latest incident adds to the ongoing debate about how platforms like Twitch moderate sensitive political content, raising broader questions about press freedom and the scope of acceptable commentary in livestreamed media.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hasan Piker aka HasanAbi responds after Twitch ban over 'repeated violations', internet slams streamer: 'You should be in prison'
Hasan Piker, better known online as HasanAbi, is once again at the centre of controversy—this time for getting banned from Twitch after making posts about on motive behind the Israeli embassy shooting in Washington, DC. The 33-year-old streamer acknowledged the suspension in a statement and called on the platform to change its policy, but many online weren't buying it. The incident in question involved 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, who fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers near a Jewish museum earlier this week. As he was arrested, Rodriguez reportedly shouted 'Free Palestine.' Authorities have confirmed the case is being investigated as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism, with a court hearing scheduled for June 18. Twitch bans HasanAbi from Twitch over 'sharing content related to terrorist' HasanAbi's suspension came shortly after he discussed Rodriguez's manifesto on stream. Twitch later issued a notice stating that his content violated their policy on handling terrorist propaganda. According to the platform, 'sharing content related to terrorist or violent extremist groups' is strictly prohibited, even if the discussion is meant to be critical or journalistic. 'In reviewing your activity or content, we've issued a global suspension on your account,' Twitch wrote in its official notice to Hasan. 'Repeated violations may lead to more serious actions, including longer suspensions or permanent bans.' Hasan responds, 'Bad policy for news and press freedom' Piker didn't shy away from the controversy and posted a response, explaining his intent and frustrations. 'I covered the motives of the Israeli embassy staff shooter,' he wrote. 'Twitch TOS dictates a suspension for even critical examination of the manifesto. 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 take the suspension, but hope twitch changes this policy in the future. He also noted that he had examined the shooter's writings critically, not to endorse them, but to analyze them from a journalistic angle. However, the timing didn't sit well with many, especially given that just two days before the shooting, Piker hosted a livestream with George 'Bad Empanada' Ganitis, a content creator known for making repeated anti-Israel remarks. Internet slams Hasan Piker: This should've happened sooner' While Piker has a loyal fanbase, the reaction online was mixed, and many users didn't hold back. 'Promoting hate will get you banned,' one user wrote bluntly. Another added, 'Maybe don't support terrorism?' Some responses were more critical of Hasan's overall tone and approach. 'Stop just immediately going on the defensive. Take some time for reflection… it is OK to be wrong,' one commenter said, urging him to reconsider the impact of his words. 'This should've happened way sooner,' said another. 'You've been spewing hateful and violent rhetoric for years.' Promoting hate will get you banned... Maybe don't support terrorism? This shouldve happened way sooner. You've been spewing hateful and violent rhetoric for years. Dan Clancy loves you too much though you'll be back in a day You should be in prison, not just banned from Twitch. You're inspiring people to kill innocent people for no reason other than you said with your own shit filled mouth to do so. But thank God (not Allah) that you say "in Minecraft!" To cover your ass. Also tell us what really… It's unclear how long the suspension will last, but Hasan's absence is already sparking debate around content moderation, journalism, and free speech on livestreaming platforms.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Why Hasan Piker was banned from Twitch; HasanAbi's Israel embassy claims surface
Hasan Piker, aka HasanAbi, was banned from Twitch after he made posts about the Israeli embassy staff shooter, Elias Rodriguez's motive. The streamer issued a statement acknowledging the ban, and asking the streaming service to 'change this policy'. '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. I'll take the suspension, but hope twitch changes this policy in the future,' Piker wrote on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
