Staying quiet: Amazon chief Jeff Bezos pressured to enter NRA debate


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When it’s content or free speech at issue, the stakes become even higher. NRA TV can also be streamed via other services such as Google’s YouTube and its Chromecast devices, or listened to via SiriusXM or IHeartRadio, according to the group’s website. The protest over carrying the channel puts these services in the uncomfortable position of deciding what kind of information is appropriate based on what some people find objectionable — a challenge since the devices and services try to appeal to a range of different tastes and political leanings.


“While the vast majority of all streaming on our platform is mainstream entertainment, voices on all sides of an issue or cause are free to operate a channel,” said streaming-device maker Roku. “We do not curate or censor based on viewpoint,” Roku said, adding that NRA TV doesn’t violate any of its policies. Apple didn’t respond to requests for comment.


Last week, YouTube removed a video that suggested a teenage survivor of the Florida school shooting was a paid actor. YouTube didn’t respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.


Some businesses make political activism part of their brands, like the environmental stances taken by apparel company Patagonia Inc. Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. fought government requirements to provide emergency contraceptives that the company said conflicted with its religious beliefs, in a case that went to the US Supreme Court. That can work for smaller niche retailers. But it’s tougher for big corporations with sprawling businesses, like Amazon and Apple, that want to sell their products and services to as many people as possible.


“There’s a dark side to going after these intermediaries and asking them to remove what we find objectionable,” said MIT’s Zuckerman.


Article source: http://watoday.com.au/markets/us-factory-activity-accelerates-to-near-threeyear-high-20170703-gx3ygf.html

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