UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom has acknowledged improvements in Twitch‘s accuracy in labeling mature content following a review of the platform’s updated classification guidelines.
In response to a rise in mature audience-targeted content, including gambling streams, Twitch revised its content classification system in June 2023. The platform now mandates streamers to label content that includes mature themes, providing six specific categories: mature-rated games, sexual themes, drug use, intoxication or excessive tobacco use, violent or graphic depictions, significant profanity, and gambling.
Ofcom, which oversees video-sharing platforms and online safety in the UK, assessed these changes and published a 66-page report earlier this month. The report highlighted a “significant” improvement in content labeling accuracy following the introduction of Content Classification Labels (CCLs), though viewer behavior and content types on Twitch remained largely unchanged.
The report stated: “Following the CCL change, we saw an increase in creators labelling mature content accurately. We also saw a decrease in mislabeling of streams as mature.
“Additionally, our analysis established a causal link between the CCL change and an increase in creators accurately labelling mature content.”
The report also focused on gambling streams, finding that prior to the CCL updates, around 65% of gambling streams were correctly labeled as mature. While the exact post-change percentage wasn’t specified, the evaluation noted a “sharp increase” in accuracy within the first 30 days of the CCL implementation.
Twitch continues to enhance measures to restrict access to mature content, especially gambling streams, for under-18 audiences through updated policies. In 2022, the platform banned streams from several unlicensed gambling sites, such as Stake.com, Rollbit.com, Duelbits.com, and Roobet.com. Twitch has also introduced a feature that allows viewers to block certain CCL categories, providing an additional filter to protect younger viewers.
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