Technology
Twitch and Amazon face class action lawsuit over AI training on streamer content
A lawsuit alleges breach of contract after Twitch enabled default settings allowing creator videos to train Amazon AI models.
The short version
- A streamer filed a class action lawsuit accusing Amazon and Twitch of using creator videos without permission to train commercial AI models.
- Twitch previously introduced an AI training setting that is turned on by default, requiring creators to manually opt out.
- The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and financial harm to creators, while court proceedings have yet to determine the outcome.
Key facts
- Connecticut-based streamer Warren Pandiscia filed a class action lawsuit against Amazon and Twitch alleging breach of contract and unfair practices.[Engadget]
- The complaint alleges the companies used creator video streams to train generative AI models without obtaining licenses or explicit permission.[Engadget · Slashdot]
- Twitch added a channel setting allowing content to be used for Amazon AI training that is enabled by default, requiring users to opt out manually.[Engadget · Slashdot]
- Twitch Chief Product Officer Mike Minton defended the default opt-out mechanism during a company stream, stating that creators would not opt in if explicit permission were required.[Engadget · Slashdot]
What remains uncertain
- Amazon and Twitch have not yet formally responded in court, leaving the legal validity of the class action and its claims unverified.[Engadget]