Late last week, four Korean models took to Twitch for a stream that was eventually determined unfit for the platform and got all of their individual channels banned. Now, those Korean models have had their channels unbanned and they are back to streaming.
Twitch streamers Sooflower, Edoongs2, Chobiman0125, and Damicoss all saw their channels taken down for the last few days but now they have been reinstated. Curiously, one of the models is back to performing similar acts to when they were originally banned – dancing for viewers and encouraging tips/donations. However, this time there is a bit more clothing involved.
No doubt the return of these Korean models’ Twitch channels is sure to drum up its own controversy within the streaming community. For a while now Twitch has had a problem with consistency when it comes to enforcing its rules, and some might see a ban that lasted a few days as nothing more than a slap on the wrist.
Some argue that the original stream featuring the Korean models violated Twitch’s Terms of Service because of the clothing that the women were wearing. Twitch has a very strict policy about wearing swimwear when not in a pool setting, and these Korean models were using their clothing to entice viewers more than anything else.
The streamers channels that have been reactivated are:
- https://www.twitch.tv/sooflower
- https://www.twitch.tv/edoongs2
- https://www.twitch.tv/chobiman0125
- https://www.twitch.tv/damicoss
Twitch as a platform tries to juggle a variety of offerings that has grown to include more than just gameplay streaming. It started with the addition of the Creative directory, which featured channels like old Bob Ross videos. But eventually, things changed dramatically when the IRL directories were created and personality-driven streaming became popular.
But as Twitch has grown to accommodate streams that aren’t just video game focused, the platform has struggled to moderate what is and isn’t appropriate. Content creators try to play to their strengths and for these Korean models, they were part of a very successful stream that highlighted their looks. Did they bend the rules in an effort to gain more attention? Most would agree, yes, but whether or not they violated the Terms of Service enough to be banned permanently is up for debate. And if these girls were banned for their attire, it calls into question why other streams that are equally as provocative don’t face the same punishments.
Ultimately, it is up to Twitch how it wants to be perceived as a streaming platform but there is little doubt that things are shaky. With Ninja living Twitch for Mixer, and controversies popping up left and right it was likely in Twitch’s best interest to give these Korean model streamers some form of punishment, no matter how fleeting it was.
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