17 August 2026updated 15 August

Amazon uses Twitch streams to train AI models by default

Twitch, owned by Amazon, began using streamers' broadcasts, chat messages, clips, and channel text to train Amazon's generative AI systems without explicit prior notice.
Streamers can opt out via Settings > Security and Privacy > Training for Generative AI, but the feature was enabled by default, meaning Amazon already has access to existing content.
Opting out only stops future training; it does not prevent AI features like captioning or AutoMod from using data, and chat on other streamers' channels remains usable if they did not opt out.
Over 16,000 creators opposed the policy in forums after learning about it, but Twitch's product head Mike Minton stated opt-in would mean nobody participates, suggesting Amazon prioritized data access over creator consent.
Meta, Google, and other AI companies similarly use social media content for training without explicit permission, making user data a scarce resource companies compete for as demand outpaces available sources.