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DataMedics
Newbie

Warning about channel Free Movies + (It's turning your Roku into a zombie scraper)

So before you install the channel Free Movies + onto your Roku, I suggest you read this article: 

https://aidailydigital.com/new-roku-channel-turns-your-roku-into-a-zombie-web-scraper/

It seems that this app is actually leveraging Roku devices to perform web-scraping activities when your Roku is idle, and then feed that data back to a company called Bright Data.  Seems pretty fishy to me.

They've actually got good movies from the 80s and 90s, but I don't know if the trade-off is worth it.

I'm actually quite surprised Roku is allowing such a thing to go on.

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3 REPLIES 3
makaiguy
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Warning about channel Free Movies + (It's turning your Roku into a zombie scraper)

Paging Roku employees @RokuAustin, @RokuKariza-D @RokuMary-F and any other moderators for follow up with those in the organization who approve/evaluate submitted channel apps.

Roku Community Streaming Expert
I am not a Roku employee, only a user like you.  Please, no support questions via private message -- post them publicly to the Community where others may benefit as well.
If this post solves your problem please help others find this answer by clicking "Accept as Solution.".

Ultra 4800 | Streaming Stick 4K+ 3821 | TCL Roku TV 43S245/C107X
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Williamt100
Roku Guru

Re: Warning about channel Free Movies + (It's turning your Roku into a zombie scraper)

If true, I am surprised that this would be sanctioned on a channel "approved" by Roku.

Roku 3500X
Roku 4400X
Roku 4661X
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Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Warning about channel Free Movies + (It's turning your Roku into a zombie scraper)

Well, if you go to the channel store, you'll see that the channel has a privacy policy:

Privacy – Powr

Looks terrible, but then Paramount Plus also has a privacy policy:

Paramount Privacy | Privacy Policy (viacomcbsprivacy.com)

So, basically, what did you expect?

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