🍿 2022-03-14 03:19:00 – Paris/France.
ABC urged to drop hated feature on its platform Streaming iview – but the public broadcaster is adamant it will roll out this week
The ABC has pushed back on requests to stop rolling out a new "Connect to Watch" feature on its iview platform.
The connection, mandatory to access a large part of the content in Streaming from the national broadcaster, is expected to roll out this week.
When contacted for comment, the ABC directed Daily Mail Australia to a February 22 press release stating that "ABC iview users will need an ABC account to watch programs from 15 March 2022”.
Full stream ahead: The ABC has pushed back on calls to stop rolling out a new 'connect to watch' feature on its streaming platform Streaming iview. Pictured: ABC President Ita Buttrose
In an open letter to ABC President Ita Buttrose last week, privacy non-governmental organization the Australian Privacy Foundation (APF) urged her to retain an option for viewers to watch all ABC content without disclosing any personal information.
"We believe there is still no justification for not allowing Australians who do not wish to register to simply continue to enjoy access to their ABCs through iview without registration," the letter said.
However, Buttrose said that it was necessary to log in with an email and password to keep up to date with the platforms of Streaming competitors by providing basic functionality "such as 'continue watching' across devices, recommendations and profiles".
Backlash: In a letter to ABC chair Ita Buttrose, privacy non-governmental organization the Australian Privacy Foundation urged her to retain an option for viewers to watch the broadcasts of ABC without disclosing any personal information. Pictured: APF Vice President Dr. Juanita Fernando
She added: “The minimal level of invasiveness associated with an individual creating an account and providing a small amount of information about themselves, being a name or nickname, year of birth, location and gender (with a preference not to say optional) is offset by the public benefit of better serving the public.
Buttrose also warned the APF against making the Australian public "unduly cautious about connecting".
“Any unfounded concerns could have negative public interest outcomes, such as lower connection rates, and as a result people choose to go to other, less trustworthy sources of information with levels of protection of privacy,” she said.
Fears: Buttrose warned APF against making the public 'unduly cautious about logging on'
Since Monday, the iview website has been warning visitors that "starting mid-March, you will need a free ABC account to watch programs on ABC iview."
The new requirements will not affect all of the broadcaster's content.
Viewers will still be able to watch ABC's live broadcast streams, including ABC TV, ABC Kids, ABC News and ABC Me, without logging in.
Time is running out: From Monday the iview website (pictured) warns visitors that 'from mid-March you will need a free ABC account to watch programs on ABC iview'
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