Google has banned the LBRY Android application from Playstore. The news has been announced in a video from the official LBRY account on lbry.tv, by Jeremy Kauffman, CEO of the LBRY and Odysee.
For those who do not know, LBRY is a blockchain-based video streaming platform with the moto of respecting users' freedom and privacy. LBRY has its own cryptocurrency called LBRY Credits (LBC) which is used to reward both viewers and content creators for using the LBRY. At the time of writing this article, each LBC according to CoinGecko worth $0.02.
In the video, Kauffman shared the email that Google Play has sent in regards to the app removal. In the email, it seems that Google has banned the app because of sexual content. While the LBRY has some NSFW content, similar to YouTube, it has never hosted the full-fledged pornographic materials.
Kauffman has additionally shown images that caused the LBRY app to be banned. The alleged adult material is from a comedy video titled "For the Record" from Laurence Walsh channel which contains some nudity. Viewers have to explicitly confirm they are at least 18 years old before proceeding to watch the video.
Needless to say that Google has banned the LBRY android app without any prior warning while it had over 100K downloads and 3K reviews. The Google Play link on the LBRY website is no longer functional and greets the user with a NOT FOUND page.
Additionally, the application on Google Playstore had a Mature 17+ content rating based on the cached version of the page which leaves LBRY advocates in disbelief.
At this point, it seems Google is shutting down any attempts that remotely jeopardize their YouTube monopoly. In Kauffman's own words,
They (Google/YouTube) are trying to play games with us, trying to come after us and they're doing it because we are winning.
Meanwhile that the app removal appeal is still in process, Android users can still download the LBRY app from either F-Droid or direct APK download.
If you wish to sign up for the LBRY, you can use this link (referral) and earn additional 5 LBC after confirming your account.
