How do you reconcile these linked outcomes of the change to no longer support non certified channel apps:
* pornhub (a porn app)
* vidangel (an app that censors content in real time to make it "family friendly", for a streaming platform that is notoriously not interested in being family friendly)
* various IPTV apps that distribute content in ways that bypass content owners rights to control and get paid for their content.
The link here: none of these would pay their commercial dues to Roku, non certified channels didn't have to pay, certified channels do. That was also the heart of the Roku/YouTubeTV dispute that was eventually resolved commercially).
Reputational damage through enabling unlawful activity (content and copyright) also an issue.
Could Roku make a platform and a deal that would allow Pornhub/Vidangel to be on the platform in some form that is legally and reputationslly operable? Yes they could, and Roku might be better for it (finally implementing the content controls that many users have been asking for).
Roku has made a commercial decision. Big business as usual. Won't change.
People complaining repeatedly here are exhibiting something called a psychological "racket" (look that up) that is preventing them moving towards closure on the situation (and @DBDukes is also "racketing" in his defense of Roku, and maybe should consider letting that go as many people won't accept that argument).
If you want to stop using Roku, go right ahead. Donate or sell you device, don't create more e-waste by throwing it away, or at least dispose responsibly.
The rest of us are more or less content, let's move towards mutually getting the best of the platform and complaining about issues like battery drain, premature WiFi failure, underpowered devices that don't do 5ghz wifi, limited hardwired network support, poor accessory availability outside North America, etc.
Not a Roku employee
