Internet culture ‘journalist’ Taylor Lorenz publicly characterized TwitchCon security as “incredibly strict” in posts on X, setting off a fresh round of debate about safety at the event.
Her comments came after footage showing OTK streamer Emiru being inappropriately touched by an attendee went viral. That moment prompted widespread criticism of security at the convention.
Lorenz acknowledged the Emiru incident as “unacceptable” but argued it didn’t reflect the overall security posture at TwitchCon. She detailed entrance procedures that included mask removal requests, ID verification, and attendees being asked to face cameras at checkpoints.
She also claimed tight restrictions on movement inside the venue, stating attendees “couldn’t roam anywhere.” Her posts used reply limitations, restricting responses to accounts she follows or mentioned. Because who wants real criticism, am I right?
The defense clashed with multiple viral clips circulating from the same event. Videos showed content creators entering “undercover” without apparent verification. Other footage captured what appeared to be minimal security presence around high-traffic meet-and-greets.
Some attendees reported that security staff disposed of sealed gifts meant for VTubers like Ironmouse, citing safety protocols. Others described inconsistent enforcement once past entrance checkpoints.
The Emiru incident itself became a flashpoint. The streamer was groped during what appeared to be a public interaction at the convention floor. No immediate security intervention was visible in the footage. Reports suggest the individual involved received a 30-day Twitch ban, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Lorenz previously covered internet culture for outlets including The New York Times and Washington Post. She’s the author of Extremely Online and regularly reports on creator economy issues.
TwitchCon has faced safety scrutiny before. At the 2022 San Diego event, Adriana Chechik broke her back and suffered serious spinal injuries in a poorly designed foam pit activation. That incident resulted in lawsuits and calls for better oversight of convention activities.
The door vs. the floor
The debate centers on a key distinction: entrance security versus active protection inside the venue. Critics argue that strict badge checks and facial verification matter little if creators remain vulnerable to harassment or assault once inside. Supporters of Lorenz’s position point to the robust entry protocols as evidence of serious security infrastructure.
Convention security typically combines venue staff, contracted guards, and event-specific personnel. Large gatherings focused on creator meet-and-greets present unique challenges, as fans seek direct contact with streamers they follow online.
Twitch has not issued detailed statements about specific security protocols at the event or whether changes were implemented mid-convention after the Emiru incident.
