Image via Twitch

Twitch bans hundreds of Middle Eastern streamers at once

Many of the bans are reportedly related to tax avoidance issues.

Twitch banned more than 200 partnered streamers, most of whom are based in the Middle East, in a massive wave of simultaneous bans that are reportedly related to an ongoing tax avoidance issue in the region, according to reporter Zach Bussey.

Recommended Videos

At the start of Feb. 19, streamers from the MENA region experienced sudden, mass payout blocks. The streaming platform sent out emails, citing tax issues as the reason for their payouts being withheld. Twitch faced immense backlash as countless streamers said they received payout freezes despite using the same tax information for years.

Streaming journalist Zach Bussey claims that many of these 200 or so bans will only be temporary suspensions, though it is unclear how long these suspensions will be or if any harsher bans will also be given out.

Twitch has yet to publish an official response regarding the situation. The streaming giant is notoriously hesitant to address any major controversy on its main social network channels, so it may be unlikely that Twitch directly shares any information with the public. Twitch has primarily communicated this situation through emails directly to affected users.

Though it seems that the initial wave of bans is over, this situation seems far from settled.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Twitch launches TikTok-like scrollable Discovery feed to showcase live streams
Person holding a phone with the Twitch logo displayed on it.
Read Article Asmongold considers legal action after Twitch streamer offers $30,000 to ‘make him disappear’
Asmongold stares seriously at the audience
Read Article Kick creators accused of harassment following incidents at DreamHack Melbourne
The Kick logo below a screen at DreamHack Melbourne 2024.
Related Content
Read Article Twitch launches TikTok-like scrollable Discovery feed to showcase live streams
Person holding a phone with the Twitch logo displayed on it.
Read Article Asmongold considers legal action after Twitch streamer offers $30,000 to ‘make him disappear’
Asmongold stares seriously at the audience
Read Article Kick creators accused of harassment following incidents at DreamHack Melbourne
The Kick logo below a screen at DreamHack Melbourne 2024.
Author
Blaine Polhamus
Staff Writer for Dot Esports. Avid gamer for two decades and gaming writer for three years. I'm a lover of anything Souls-like since 2011. I cover everything from single-player RPGs to MMOs.