Facebook shuts down Live Video API access for Prisma

In an apparent attempt to shut down the competition, Facebook has now cut off access to its Live Video API for the popular Prisma image and video filters app. This move comes as both companies released ways to include stylized art filters to Facebook Live videos.

According to TechCrunch, Facebook sent an email to the team behind Prisma, stating that Facebook’s app already supports streaming of video from a “mobile device camera”. Facebook’s statement seems to suggest that its Live Video API is not meant to be used by mobile cameras and third-party apps, but rather by professional cameras, games and other sources. The report does point out that Facebook’s own FAQ page on the Live Video API does not specifically state that mobile camera streams are banned.

On the surface, this would appear to be a pretty heavy handed attempt by Facebook to stop Prisma from offering its own art filters for Facebook Live users. Facebook launched its Live filters for iOS for testing in a select number of countries a few weeks ago, but there’s no word on when that will expand to more territories. Of course, Facebook’s latest move has put the future of Prisma’s live video support in doubt, but in the meantime, it is still working on a social-themed update for the app which is planned for release in December.