A Twitch streamer is suing Amazon, alleging his broadcasts were used to train AI without his permission

Live updates

1. 22d ago

   Streamer Files Class Action Against Amazon and Twitch Over AI Training

   Warren Pandiscia, a Connecticut-based creator, has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon and Twitch. The suit alleges the companies used livestreams, videos, clips, and chat logs from millions of creators to train generative AI models without consent or compensation. The legal action follows Twitch's introduction of an opt-out setting for AI training and a rewrite of its Terms of Service on 12 August. Twitch's Chief Product Officer has stated that users would not opt-in to the AI training feature if it were not the default setting.

   Why it matters

   This case highlights a broader conflict between social media platforms and content creators regarding data rights and copyright. It centers on whether platforms can unilaterally use user-generated content for machine learning under updated terms of service.

   What is confirmed

   • Warren Pandiscia filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Amazon and Twitch.
   • The lawsuit alleges that Amazon and Twitch used creator videos, clips, and chat logs to train generative AI without permission or payment.
   • Twitch introduced an opt-out toggle for AI training.
   • Twitch rewrote its Terms of Service on 12 August.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Twitch and Amazon engaged in two years of undisclosed AI training.
   • Twitch's CPO stated that nobody would opt-in to the AI training feature if it was not the default.

   What to watch next

   • Court ruling on the proposed class action status
   • Amazon and Twitch's formal legal response to the allegations
   • Evidence regarding the duration of AI training prior to the opt-out announcement
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. Eurogamer — A Twitch streamer is suing Amazon, alleging his broadcasts were used to train AI without his permission
   2. Courthouse News — Online streamers sue Twitch, Amazon over generative AI training
   3. Engadget — Twitch And Amazon Hit With Lawsuit For Training AI With Streamers' Content
   4. Lifehacker — Social Media Platforms Are Training Their AI Models on Your Content, but You Can Stop Them (Sometimes)
   5. PPC Land — Twitch and Amazon sued over 2 years of undisclosed AI training
   6. startupfortune.com — A Twitch Streamer Is Suing Amazon Over Years of Secret AI Training
   7. Kotaku — Streamer Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Twitch Over AI Training
   8. Yahoo Tech — Twitch’s CPO Admits No One Wants Its AI Training Feature: “If It Was Opt-In, Nobody Would Opt-In”
   9. www.techrepublic.com — Twitch Streamer Sues Amazon Over Alleged AI Training
   10. thenextweb.com — Twitch and Amazon face a class action over livestream AI training
   11. www.lawcommentary.com — Twitch Streamer Sues Amazon Over AI Training, Claims Creator Content Used Without Consent
   12. www.ign.com — Amazon and Twitch Face Class-Action Lawsuit After Introducing Opt-Out Setting That Uses Streamers' Content to Train AI
   confidence 90%