Roku last week announced that it would soon eliminate non-certified channels. This will likely close the loophole that allowed apps such as Pornhub to continue to exist on the service.
Last week, the company stated that it will be eliminating non-certified channels by March 2022. This change is part of Roku's ongoing development efforts, which include a new developer tool that runs independently from its main software developer kit for commercial use channels. The company also announced the launch of new beta testing capabilities, which will allow app developers to test their apps before releasing the changes to the service.
Developers will be able to customize and tweak their Roku experience by using the independent developer kit. This includes developing games for the Roku remote, or connecting their Roku devices with their smart home gadgets. Roku claims these changes are to align its platform with industry-standard methods and tools used by other companies.
Roku is now pulling non-certified channels previously used for testing purposes by developers. These channels won't be available in the Roku Channel Store because they were, according to The Verge, in most cases, used as testing channels before their launch on Roku. A spokesperson stated this week that these channels are no longer required due to recent changes.
The company did not respond to The Verge's request for comment last week. It is unclear how many channels that aren't certified will be removed. It is expected that it will impact many adult entertainment apps that could potentially be added to Roku using unique codes. Protocol reported this week, that the change will not only affect Pornhub but also other private channels such as Adult Time and Wicked.
Sideloading channels is a method by which users are warned that Roku does not review or test non-certified channels. Roku may also warn that users may lose access to other channels that they do not approve of. Roku may also block accounts from adding non-certified channels if it finds that the channel has illegal content or violates its terms.
