Watchdog warns Twitch users over Amazon’s AI data plans
The Dutch privacy regulator recommends hitting the off switch.
The Twitch logo. Nurphoto via Getty Images.
- The Dutch privacy regulator urges Twitch users to disable Amazon’s generative AI training setting.
- Twitch enables the setting by default, so users must opt out if they object.
- The regulator says livestreams can expose faces, voices, names, rooms, chats, and messages.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
The Dutch data protection authority urges Twitch users to opt out of sharing data with Amazon, as consenting to this is “very risky.”
Last week, Amazon announced it would train its AI models using data from Twitch users.
Although users can opt out if they don’t want their livestreams used for AI training, “Training for Generative AI” is enabled by default, which drew significant backlash against Amazon.
Mike Minton, Chief Product Officer at Twitch, explained why the AI training setting has been enabled by default. “If it were opt-in, nobody would consent,” he said.
This entire endeavor has caused a headache with the Dutch data protection authority, which is worried about Amazon using user data to train its AI models.
“Live streams on Twitch show the gamer’s face, voice, and name, and often include images of a private space, such as a bedroom. This constitutes personal data. In the case of facial images, this even involves sensitive personal data,” the privacy regulator explains.
The supervisor goes on by stating that once these data are stored in Amazon’s AI systems, they cannot be removed.
“As a result, users lose control over their data.”
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Users’ chats and text messages will also serve as training content for Amazon.
Monique Verdier, Deputy Chair at the Dutch data protection authority, even goes so far as to call sharing sensitive personal information like your face and voice to train Amazon’s AI models “very risky.”
“You won’t be able to delete this. AI models could, for example, disclose your data to online scammers, who would then misuse it. In a statement from Twitch, the company says this setting is enabled by default because otherwise nobody would give their consent. That says enough. So, make sure to change it today,” Verdier pleads.
Users can disable Amazon’s AI-related settings by going to their account settings, clicking on the “Security and Privacy” tab, and turning off the “Training for Generative AI” toggle.
