Most IPTV set-top boxes in Nepal are uncertified, access to YouTube may be blocked at any time

Kathmandu. There is an increased risk that YouTube access may be completely blocked on most set-top boxes used in Nepal. This problem is expected to arise as Google prepares to strictly implement the notice it has already issued to its OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partners.

Currently, most of the set-top boxes distributed by IPTV service providers in Nepal are under the uncertified Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Google has taken a policy of blocking YouTube access on such devices to ensure high quality, consistency and a secure experience.

The company has stated that these uncertified AOSP devices do not meet the required technical standards, may degrade the user experience and may even pose a security risk, so it has had to block YouTube access.

Google has set strict criteria for manufacturers who want to distribute its applications and services. Popular apps like Gmail, Maps, Play Store and YouTube are placed under Google Mobile Services (GMS).

Manufacturers must pass the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) and meet the criteria outlined in the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) to obtain a GMS license. Google has taken this strict step to prevent manufacturers from not completing or ignoring the certification process.

Set-top boxes, TVs, and game consoles fall under the category of ‘living room devices’. These devices require the HTML-5-based YouTube Living Room application to run YouTube. For this, certification is mandatory to ensure that the device meets all the criteria.

Most of the set-top boxes and smart TVs sold by Internet service providers and many television distributors in Nepal are based on uncertified AOSP. YouTube’s policy is being implemented in a phased manner.

Although some users are still watching YouTube on uncertified AOSP set-top boxes, it is said that the YouTube service will automatically be disabled on all such devices once this process is implemented globally.

This means that many Nepali households may now be forced to upgrade to devices with Google-certified Android TV OS or certified smart TVs.