Twitch will no longer allow climbers and beginners to go around calling each other “simps. ”The term – a recent favorite in the Twitch community that nominally refers to men who seem to like women’s attention – will be banned when used as a misrepresentation. under Twitch’s update on its harassment policy. “Incel” and “maidens” will be banned as promoters, too, Twitch COO Sara Clemens said at town hall live this afternoon.
The new policy, first seen by an esports adviser Rod Breslau, takes effect on 22 January. It also introduces stricter rules regarding sexual harassment and seems to give Twitch more of a chance to block streamers and commenters who make offensive comments.
The review of the policy comes after Twitch was filled with reports of sexual harassment in its community and complaints that the company had abandoned the case for years. Twitch said in June that it was “committed to continuing our efforts to make Twitch a safer environment” and that a review of its hate behavior and harassment policies was underway.
“Simp” is banned under a section of the reformed policy that bans disgraceful statements about other people’s sexual preferences. “And that includes negatively targeting another person with sexual conditions,” Clemens said. Twitch also “actively denies” feelings that embody these three terms as well.
The words “simp,” “incel,” and “virgin” shall not be prohibited in all cases. Twitch only takes action when used for harassment – but that’s usually how those terms come up on Twitch.
“We will take action against the use of terms such as ‘simp,’ ‘incel’ or ‘virgin’, especially when used in a negative way to refer to another’s sexual practices. The use of these terms alone would not lead to coercion but we would take action if they were repeatedly used in a harassing manner, ”said a Twitch spokesperson The edge.
Twitch’s updated update policy lists several prohibited behaviors related to sexual harassment. These include the prohibition of “making false statements about another person’s sexual practices or morality. ”The policy goes on to say that this would include“ re-negatively targeting another person with sexual conditions, such as ‘whore’ or ‘virgin.’ ”
There is no detailed information on how Twitch will block it around “simple”. But regulators may find it frustrating with how often the term is tossed around Twitch. The edge has reached out to Twitch for more information.
Updated Dec 16, 5:40 PM ET: This story was updated with a quote from Twitch.