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#Twitchblackout is trending today as broadcasts across the globe ask people to avoid the site for a day.
They ask for a blackout because they believe the broadcast site can do more to recognize victims of sexual and racial abuse.
Dozens of women have recently claimed that they have been sexually assaulted by people in the gaming industry.
Twitch says it takes sexual harassment allegations seriously.
Streamers are arguing that Twitch has not acted fast enough when sexual assault claims have been made against some of its content creators.
Some also think the site has been too lenient when others have been accused of using racist or homophobic language.
Encouraging people to stay off the platform for a day could deprive Twitch of viewers and revenue.
Those who support the blackout think it will lead Twitch to take these issues more seriously, as they feel the site hasn’t told them enough about their concerns.
After many claims of sexual harassment were reported in the gaming industry, Twitch posted to say that it was actively investigating cases linked to its affiliated broadcasters.
He also praised the bravery of the women who spoke.
Company CEO Emmet Shear sent an internal email saying he is considering banning the accounts based on their historical behavior.
He also said he wants Twitch to become the safest place for people to create content on the Internet.
Calls for a blackout have not been universally supported.
Some content creators argue that not streaming for a day is counterproductive.
They say it is a missed opportunity to discuss issues of harassment, consent and racism with their communities.
Some content creators have contacted Newsbeat to say they are concerned that the campaign has been rushed, and as a result, many streamers are continuing normally today.
For many of those following the blackout, the hope is that this is the start of a much broader discussion of people’s behavior on Twitch and in the gaming industry.
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