Twitch Bans Cannabis Sponsorships in New Brand Content Guidelines
Twitch updates its guidelines to ban cannabis sponsorships, aligning with its policy on illegal activities and sparking debate among content creators
Key Points
- 1Twitch bans cannabis sponsorships in updated guidelines
- 2New rules align with community standards against illegal activities
- 3Content creators criticize inconsistency with alcohol sponsorships
- 4Tech platforms show varied approaches to cannabis content
- 5Twitch's decision reflects the complex cannabis regulatory landscape
Twitch, the popular live streaming platform owned by Amazon, has updated its brand content guidelines to prohibit sponsorships related to cannabis products. This move aligns Twitch's policies with its broader community guidelines, which already restrict content involving illegal activities and products. The updated guidelines specifically ban streamers from promoting cannabis-related products, including vaping and delivery services, as part of their sponsored content
According to Twitch's new rules, brand content is defined as streamers showcasing products or services in exchange for compensation, whether monetary or through goods and services. The platform's list of prohibited sponsorships now includes not only cannabis but also weapons, adult products, tobacco, political content, and other illegal services. This policy update reflects Twitch's commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant environment for its users
Content creator JimTanna expressed his frustration with the new rules, highlighting the inconsistency in allowing alcohol sponsorships while banning cannabis. "We can promote alcohol, but we can't promote legal cannabis?" he questioned, advocating for more freedom for content creators to promote legal products. Despite the sponsorship ban, streamers are still free to consume cannabis on their streams without facing penalties from Twitch
This policy shift is part of a broader trend among major tech companies adjusting their stance on cannabis-related content. While Twitch has taken a restrictive approach, other platforms like Twitter and Meta have recently relaxed their rules, allowing certain cannabis-related advertisements. These varied approaches highlight the ongoing debate within the tech industry about how to handle cannabis as legalization progresses in different regions
Looking ahead, Twitch's decision may influence other platforms considering their own cannabis policies. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and gain legitimacy, the pressure on tech companies to adapt their policies will likely increase. For now, Twitch's stance serves as a reminder of the complex regulatory landscape surrounding cannabis and digital content