Roku removes RT from European Channel Store – source

Roku Removes RT from European Channel Store – Source

Roku, the popular streaming device manufacturer, has removed RT (Russia Today) from its European Channel Store. The move comes after the UK media regulator, Ofcom, found that RT had breached impartiality rules in seven of its programmes.

RT, which is funded by the Russian government, has been accused of spreading propaganda and misinformation. The channel has been criticised for its coverage of the conflict in Syria, the Ukraine crisis, and the Salisbury poisoning.

Roku’s decision to remove RT from its European Channel Store is a significant blow to the channel’s reach in Europe. Roku is one of the most popular streaming devices in the region, with millions of users. The move will make it harder for RT to reach a wider audience in Europe.

RT has responded to the move by accusing Roku of censorship. The channel has said that it is being targeted because of its critical coverage of Western governments. RT has also accused Ofcom of being biased against the channel.

Roku has defended its decision, saying that it is committed to providing a platform for free and open access to information. The company has said that it will not tolerate channels that breach its content policies.

The removal of RT from Roku’s European Channel Store is the latest in a series of moves by tech companies to crack down on fake news and propaganda. Facebook, Twitter, and Google have all taken steps to remove fake news and propaganda from their platforms.

The move by Roku is likely to be welcomed by those who are concerned about the spread of propaganda and misinformation. However, it is also likely to be criticised by those who believe in free speech and the right to access information.

In conclusion, Roku’s decision to remove RT from its European Channel Store is a significant move in the fight against fake news and propaganda. While some may see it as censorship, others will see it as a necessary step to protect the public from misinformation. The debate over the role of tech companies in regulating content is likely to continue, but for now, Roku has taken a stand.