Channel Issues & Questions

[MarkK02474]

I was watching my 7 year old play Rainbow Dash from the Roku home page tonight at about 7 PM EST, when an ad for Astroglide sex lubricant came on. Thankfully he had no questions about it!

Does Roku have a policy on showing adult ads in children's content?

[andyross]

Roku doesn't write the app. It's up to the developers. You can find the developer on the channel store. For Rainbow Dash, there was a link to their privacy policy, which led to their website, which led to a contact page:

http://romansixvigaming.com/contact/

[MarkK02474]

So, Roku sells access to its platform and takes no responsibility for the content clients choose to show?

Sure, a big part of the problem is government in restricting advertising content to children to products they don't consume - kids under 10 don't need sex lube, home security, or cars, but the Astroglide ad was probably PG-13, and inappropriate for the young audience attracted to games on Roku's platform.

[DBDukes]

Keep in mind that most of us are simply Roku users, such as yourself. Actual Roku employees will be identified as such.

Your question was not directly answered, as most users might not have have that information. However, @andyross was correct in pointing you to the content provider, as whether or not there is an official Roku policy covering the type of ads allowed, it would still be worthwhile to contact them and let them know how displeased you are with what happened.

It is still a good idea to do as you did and notify Roku via the Community Forum, as Roku can also follow up with answering your question, and, if a policy was violated, contacting the content provider.

[MarkK02474]

OK, thank you. My first time here on the forum.

Let me add that AstroGlide and adult chat lines are advertised on broadcast TV, but during "late night" hours. Definitely not during daytime or prime time hours where kids are most likely watching.

[DBDukes]

It definitely sounds like something went seriously awry. Perhaps Roku can get to the bottom of it.