Spotify to add content advisory when podcasts mention Covid

Spotify will add content advisories to any material mentioning Covid.

The company will direct its users to public health sites for additional information.

On Sunday, the audio streaming giant said it would add content advisories to anything mentioning Covid.

Spotify faces adverse reactions to its decision to air the famous podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Some people claim that the podcast is spreading Covid misinformation. Host Joe Rogan interviewed Dr. Robert Malone, who is well-known among anti-vaccine Americans. After some suspicious content, Twitter decided to ban Malone’s content on the platform.

On Saturday, guitarist Nils Lofgren pulled songs from Spotify. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. He also pulled his songs to protest Rogan’s podcast.

Spotify CEO on the plan

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said in a post that the streaming service includes creators with various opinions. However, he did not directly mention Rogan.

Ek said that the company understands its role. In fact, he noted that Spotify works on supporting creators’ and users’ comfort and safety. He additionally explained that it is essential for them not to take on the position of being a content censor in that role.

Ek said that Spotify plans to add a content advisory on any podcast that notes Covid. He said it would direct listeners to a hub of information from scientists, public health experts, and physicians.

Neil Young started the boycott of Spotify, saying that the company removed his music. On Friday, Joni Mitchell said she was planning to join the protest. In fact, she also plans to get her music pulled. In a message posted on her website, Mitchell said that reckless people spread lies, costing people their lives.

On Saturday, Lofgren urged others to stand with health care professionals, nurses, doctors, and scientists.