Prisma Livestreaming option no more

If you are a Prisma user, you might have noticed that the AI-driven art app lost its Facebook Live streaming feature, which disappeared as soon as it appeared. According to a report by TechCrunch, Facebook shut off its access to the Live Programming kit after it claimed that this was not the intended use for the framework.

The platform is meant for live footage from “other sources,” such as pro cameras or game feeds. However, this reason sounds odd especially when Facebook’s developer guidelines do not explicitly forbid use with smartphones, but the social network does state that it is primarily for non-smartphone uses.

The shut down comes at a time when Facebook is getting its own creative live streaming technology started. Its recently acquired app MSQRD has had no problem streaming face-swapped video on Facebook Live, and the company previewed Prisma-like art filters. At the first look, it looks like Facebook is repeating what it did to Snapchat, Telegram, and Vine — denies access to rivals so that Facebook’s equivalent services do not face competition.

Prisma states, “It’s up to Facebook to decide which apps or devices can broadcast to Facebook. It’s their policy and we respect it.” However, the decision is a blunt reminder that internet giants can and will protect their turf, and that you base key features around their services at their own risk.