Channels & viewing

[3rdLegUp]

Private Channels facilitated by Roku does not put ownership of channel content in ROKU hands, except for adding in removing channel availability!

We do not make (or imply) any endorsement or recommendation of these products or services, which are subject to their own terms and policies (including data privacy and data gathering practices), and any charges or obligations you incur in your dealings with them, which are your responsibility and done at your own risk (Roku is not responsible or liable for those interactions or the products or services they provide to you).

[DOntwannasay]

So now ROKU is playing the Facebook game and deleting channels because they want to censor what's being shown. I'm an adult and what I watch is absolutely none of ROKU's business. I'm offended by all the shows that feature only black characters, but they are still there. ROKU wants to censor all the channels with adult topics (elegant angel, etc) but not other offensive channels. Where do you get off telling me what I can or can't watch? I'm pissed. 

[renojim]

Roku is removing all private/uncertified channels.  It has nothing to do with censorship.  It just so happens that adult channels have always had to be private channels.  I think it's a horrible decision, but it's not the first that Roku has made and it certainly won't be the last.

[atc98092]

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@Props wrote:

No, go read it again, they are booting anything "Adult Content" related. It is indeed a targeted removal. 

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You are reading a message from a specific provider. I quoted the message from Roku themselves. They are not targeting any specific content, adult or otherwise. They are removing all channels not available via their channel store. Most likely, that is going to include all adult content, as I don't expect those providers to be willing/able to meet the Roku content standards. You may call that censorship, but it's no different than what Apple does with their iTunes store and Google with their Play Store. They reserve the right to ensure content meets their standards, which are clearly published. Meet the standards, and your app can be in the store. Otherwise, have a nice day. 

There's no law or right that compels a platform provider, such as Roku, Apple TV or Fire TV, to allow specific content on their platforms. I'm certain that providers such as these will likely make an app available for Android based devices, which permit you to sideload apps outside the official channels. That capability does not exist for Roku or Apple devices. 

[tedefroberts]

Roku has opted for censorship.  Those who don't want to watch XXX are not forced to...just as I am not forced to watch marijuana or Gay channels.  Welcome to North Korea, Roku.

[Zoomer602]

I don't know why but am bummed that Roku is dropping support of adult channels effective March 1st. Why? Are there complaints?  I am sure MANY people haved added pornhub and others. This definitely reduces my support and positive posts and advice when people ask me about Roku.  Loved 110% what I had (and numerous items) but now will have to look for a platform that includes adult channels...

[Dadbod1212]

I 100% agree. There is nothing wrong with adults watching adult entertainment. 
I have supported roku from the start and recommended it to everyone who cuts cable and have purchased at least 8 roku devices of my own. 
I will have to look elsewhere.  

[kwb]

I also just found out this information and am very disappointed with this decision by ROKU

[andyross]

As noted in other threads, it is NOT just adult channels. They are dropping support for all 'private' channels. To work on a Roku after March 1st, they must conform to the Roku Developer TOS.

[atc98092]

Your information is based on what the adult content providers are saying, and it's not the complete story. Roku is not dropping channels because they contain adult content. Roku is dropping support for all uncertified channels. This means that channels that are installed using a code, and not found in the Roku Channel Store, will no longer be allowed to be used. There is a wide variety of content in these unofficial channels, not just adult. But because the providers are unwilling to meet the standards of channels that are permitted in the channel store, they will no longer be supported.

Probably the biggest reason Roku is doing this is because many providers use private channels as a way to stream content illegally. Because Roku has had legal issues in the past because these channels existed, they are likely just pulling the plug on all of them.

But again, this has nothing to do with the content of the channel. It's not adult content being removed, although that certainly is one result of the change. The channels are being remove solely because they are not processed through the Roku channel store. This is similar to the way Apple controls content on iOS devices. You simply cannot install an app on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV if it's not available in iTunes.