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iview proceeds with email login

iview logins won't require identifiable info such as names, after public concerns over privacy.

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ABC iview is proceeding with Login to Watch via email address, but will not require users to provide information that identifies them such as names.

Email addresses may also be pseudonyms.

Viewers will also be able to access Live streams including ABC News, ABC ME, ABC Kids, on iview on the web without logging in.

The advantages of a login, which is already required by other catch-up platforms including SBS on Demand, include:

  • Continue Watching. Pick up your show where you stopped on a different device.
  • Watchlist. Quick access to favourite titles.
  • Viewing History. Check which episodes you last screened.
  • Multiple profiles, designed for large households.
  • Recommendations. Based on your viewing history.

“Introducing Login to Watch means ABC iview can do what the other streaming services and commercial and public broadcasters are already doing and provide the personalised services viewers expect,” ABC said in a statement.

“Eighty per cent of public service broadcasters in the European Broadcasting Union, for example, require some form of login to access their video on demand service, including the BBC.

“In our most recent audience survey 95 per cent of respondents flagged a strong interest for ABC iview to add personalisation features that would require a login.

“Failing to keep pace with user expectations could lead to a danger that our Australian stories get lost in the mix, or don’t get told at all.”

ABC originally set its mandatory login in mid 2021. But following concerns around privacy, it has worked with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to ensure greater privacy protections.

Since 10 May 2021 the ABC has received 514 complaints or queries about the introduction of ABC Login to Watch.

9Now also requires a login while 7plus and 10Play require a login for catch-up, but not Live viewing.

8 Responses

  3. I was accepting of the login for iview. After all, it is the same for all the others. However, I then discovered that being logged in for iview on the tv, also made me “logged in” for ABC sites on the internet such as the ABC News website. I didn’t want that, and asked if that automatic login could be removed, but was told that when you are logged in one place, you are logged in (and therefore tracked etc) everywhere. Their only answer was to log in and out manually every time I use iview.

    I think that is deception, and wonder how many other people realise that iview plugs you in to the whole ABC spider web.

  4. As with most of my streaming accounts – These are registered with a disposable email address where all email goes unseen and ultimately deleted after an hour – so all benefits with no downsides – I don’t know what they hope to glean form this

  5. I don’t really get this ‘outrage’ at providing an email address? If anything, I’m happy for it as now my favourites are synced across all devices and they can start tailoring suggestions to me? As has been said before, if you have such an issue with it, set up a burner Gmail account to login with. Simple.

  6. It’s a bloody outrage ,why the hell should I give my email to the government funded network which of course we all pay for ,my privacy is paramount and I will protest till the cows come home ,David is my email address up to date.

    1. relax dude, they’re just asking for an email address not your tax return or your first born. If giving them a name and email address is too much just use a fake name and set up a dummy email address.

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