Google, as a technology giant, isn’t always known for looking favorably upon competing services and platforms. This is apparent when it comes to providing access to alternative video platforms. After banning LBRY from the Play Store, BitChute is now gone as well.
Google Play Bans BitChute
In a way, it is not entirely surprising to see this harsh action against BitChute. The third-party alternative to YouTube has proven to be rather successful. With millions of users, it is removing a lot of eyeballs from YouTube, which is owned by Google. Such competition can, apparently, not be allowed to persist any longer.
As a result, Google Play is now barring access to BitChute and its users. The free-speech-oriented alternative to YouTube provides a lot of interesting and informative content. However, the Android app will no longer be found on the Play Store as of this week.
With over 100,000 downloads, one has to acknowledge BitChute is rather successful in its own regard. However, Google claims the app “violets the Webviews and Affiliate Spam policy”. A bit of an odd message.
Google adds how the “primary purpose is to drive affiliate traffic to a website or provide a webview of a platform without permission from the site owner”. A clear violation in that regard, although many people feel this is Google attempting to censor this platform.
BitChute Isn’t too Amused
The BitChute team has already taken to social media to voice its opinion on this matter. They claim how there is no affiliate deal, and permission for webview content was obtained through the proper channels. There are always two sides to a story, especially where the Google Play store is involved.
Most people flock to BitChute because of its anti-censorship approach. Moreover, a lot of content creators banned by YouTube have migrated to alternative platforms like this one. Recent traffic statistics confirm the platform attracts over 26 million monthly visits.
It will still be possible to sideload the APK file for BitChute on any Android device. Obtaining updates of the app, however, may prove a bit more complex.Users will have to keep tabs on any app updates manually.
Twitter follows Google’s example by distancing itself from BitChute altogether. All of this comes on the heels of Google banning LBRY from the play Store not that long ago. Similar to this ban, LBRY is another YouTube alternative.
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