Following The'Misinformation' Row, Spotify Will Link COVID Content To Facts.
After artists such as Neil Young deleted their tracks from Spotify in protest over suspected disinformation, the music streaming service has said that it will begin directing listeners of podcasts about COVID-19 to facts regarding the epidemic.
Given the uproar sparked by Young's refusal to remove episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, which has been criticized for propagating misinformation, Spotify Chief Executive Daniel Ek wrote a post on Sunday outlining more open platform policies.
Following a request by medical professionals to prohibit Rogan from promoting "many myths concerning COVID-19 vaccinations," the musicians, including Joni Mitchell, demanded last week that Spotify remove their songs or drop podcaster Joe Rogan.
"This advisory will direct listeners to our dedicated COVID-19 Hub," Ek said. "This resource provides easy access to data-driven facts, up-to-date information shared by scientists, physicians, academics, and public health authorities around the world, as well as links to trusted sources."
"It's critical to me that we don't take on the role of content censorship while simultaneously ensuring that rules are in place and that those who break them face consequences," he wrote.
He stated that the "new campaign to counteract misinformation" would be launched in the coming days.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have also expressed worries over disinformation on Spotify, but have reaffirmed their commitment to continue using it to distribute their work.