Hassan probes Spotify podcast safety over 57,000 drug-related episodes
Senator Maggie Hassan launched an investigation into scams and drug-related content on Spotify after the company removed dozens of podcasts identified by CNN. The report notes Spotify identified and acted on more than 57,000 drug-related episodes, with actions following extensive public reporting and correspondence with the Joint Economic Committee. Hassan said the company should have acted faster and alerted law enforcement.
Last May, Spotify said it had removed dozens of podcasts identified by CNN that blatantly promoted online pharmacies purportedly selling drugs such as Adderall and Oxycontin, in some cases without a prescription. Days later, Senator Maggie Hassan launched an investigation into the fake podcasts, which violated Spotify’s rules and threatened to direct users to spammy and potentially illegal sites. The investigation’s findings, published Thursday, raise questions about Spotify’s ability to proactively detect and remove potentially harmful content. Hassan said the company should have acted faster and alerted law enforcement to the content.
Days later, Senator Maggie Hassan launched an investigation into the fake podcasts, which violated Spotify’s rules and threatened to direct users to spammy and potentially illegal sites. The investigation’s findings, published Thursday, raise questions about Spotify’s ability to proactively detect and remove potentially harmful content. Hassan said the company should have acted faster and alerted law enforcement to the content.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, released today the results of her investigation into scams and drug-related content on Spotify, a major music streaming service. The report details the company’s efforts to identify and take action against more than 57,000 podcast episodes with drug-related content, but also notes that Spotify only took these actions after extensive public reporting and correspondence between Spotify and the Joint Economic Committee - Minority over the course of the investigation.
The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday launched an investigation into Spotify over concerns the music and streaming platform could be censoring free speech, The Post has learned.
Spotify privacy lawsuit alleges data collection and monetization without consent
A substantiated privacy action alleges Spotify collected, shared, and monetized user data without proper consent in violation of federal and state privacy laws.
Spotify shares information with advertisers and analytics partners
Spotify's privacy documents indicate it shares listening and device data with advertisers and analytics partners (and occasionally with third parties).
Spotify collects extensive listening and device data and makes clear in its public privacy documents that it shares information with advertisers, analytics partners and, in some cases, courts or other third parties
Spotify donated about $150,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2025, and hosted a brunch tied to the inauguration. The action drew public backlash from artists and listeners.
Spotify confirmed a $150,000 donation to Trump's inaugural fund, describing it as part of efforts to expand its presence in Washington, D.C., and support its creators.
Spotify donated roughly $150,000 to Trump’s inauguration committee and hosted a brunch tied to the inauguration, events that drew right‑wing commentators and triggered public backlash from artists and listeners who saw that spending as tacit support for the new administration
Spotify reaches tentative union agreements with WGAE
Spotify reached tentative agreements with union members represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) on new collective bargaining agreements for The Ringer and Spotify Studios.
One week after their previous contract expired, union members at The Ringer and Spotify Studios, represented by the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), both reached tentative agreements with Spotify on new collective bargaining agreements.
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