I recently became aware of how the MPAA flagged the collection of Pluto URLs in February 2023 as somehow being copyright infringement. That got me looking through the Pluto ToS and found section 5.2a says
...you may not either directly or through the use of any software, device, internet site, web-based service or other means, or encourage others to: (a) download, stream capture, store in a database, archive or otherwise copy any part of the Services or Content...
And in 5.3
Without limiting the foregoing, you may not modify, interfere with, enhance, remove or otherwise alter in any way: (a) any portion of any video player (“Video Player”) made available within the Services; (b) any of the applicable Video Player’s underlying technology; or (c) any digital rights management mechanism, device or other content protection or access control measure incorporated into the applicable Video Player. This restriction includes, without limitation, disabling, modifying, reverse engineering, interfering with or otherwise circumventing the applicable Video Player in any manner.
I've searched the forums for details before asking. How is Channels not against these sections? Regarding 5.2a, I'm not sure if they're referring to the "Content" as just the Pluto logos, video intermissions, etc. and not the actual shows or commercials. It's confusing as I read it. Regarding 5.5, the whole Github takedown, IMO, was all about forcing people onto their player alone to stop them from blocking trackers. But Pluto has a public API, which suggests 3rd party players are all fine. Why would they still have that if using an unofficial player like VLC is a problem?
I'm edified in my search the Channels forum is all about doing everything legally and properly. I hate piracy and refuse to do it, even inadvertently. But I can't determine how recording Pluto channels is legally justified.