Roku intends to close a loophole that allows adult content platforms to offer content to users without going through the Channel Store, resulting in significant changes that may drive some users to other platforms. In late October, the company held its 2021 Developer Summit, which covered various topics, including upcoming product changes, industry trends, and more.
Roku has a Channel Store where most of its users can download apps that allow them to stream content. However, the company has a feature called private channels that will enable developers to create their channel without submitting it to the Channel Store.
This feature allowed developers and others to create a channel and share it with users via a direct link or code, allowing them to download it to their devices. This could be used to enable some users to beta test a channel before it is released to the Channel Store, allowing the developer to address any bugs or other issues before it is released.
Some developers, notably pornographic companies and other adult video providers have used this feature to offer a streaming channel without going through the Channel Store. Roku announced plans to phase out its current private channel option and replace it with a beta channel feature during its developer conference, according to Protocol.
It’s worth noting that the beta channel feature, which will launch on March 1, 2022, will limit developers to a maximum of 20 viewers. This allows developers to test apps before submitting them to the Channel Store. Still, it also prevents them from circumventing Roku’s content policies and essentially offering video content outside of the Channel Store.
It’s safe to assume that, as of March 1, private channels from companies like Adult Empire and Pornhub will no longer be available to Roku users. Though most Roku users who get their content exclusively through the Channel Store are unlikely to be affected by this change, those who enjoy some uncertified channels may find themselves switching to an Android-based streaming platform with sideloading support.
Source: protocol
