// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Twitch users can now block Amazon from using their content to train AI
Twitch says "nobody would opt in" if the option was turned off by default
Twitch is now allowing users to stop Amazon from training their generative artificial intelligence (AI) models using users' content, the popular streaming platform said.
The US company said users can opt out of a default setting that allows Amazon to use streams, clips, images, chats and other channel content.
The announcement on Wednesday confirmed that the technology giant, which took over Twitch in 2014, was using the platform's content for AI training, prompting widespread backlash from users.
Amazon runs a host of AI services and has heavily invested in the its development as it seeks to compete with Google, Meta and other technology giants.
The BBC has contacted Amazon for comment and Twitch for more information.
Twitch is a major livestreaming platform that is especially popular among gamers and youths. The platform's top content creators have tens of millions of followers.
AI training collection has been turned on by default just as it is on most content services, but Twitch is "respecting" users' wishes to opt out if they prefer, Twitch's chief product officer Mike Minton said during a stream on the platform, external.
Asked why data is being collected by default, he said: "If it's opt-in, nobody would opt-in. That's the honest answer."
Users who remain opted in could have any of their channel content used for training, Minton said, adding that the data collected will not be re-sold to other companies.