Spotify to link virus content to Covid-19 facts after disinformation row
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The move comes after artists, spearheaded by artist Neil Young, last week demanded the streaming service remove their music or drop podcaster Joe Rogan after a call from medical professionals to prevent Mr Rogan from promoting "several falsehoods about Covid-19 vaccines".
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Music streaming giant Spotify announced on Sunday (Jan 30) that it will start guiding listeners of podcasts discussing Covid-19 to more information about the pandemic, following a row that saw artist Neil Young remove his music from the platform.
"We are working to add a content advisory to any podcast episode that includes a discussion about Covid-19," Spotify chief executive Daniel Ek said in a statement.
"This advisory will direct listeners to our dedicated Covid-19 Hub, a resource that provides easy access to data-driven facts, up-to-date information as shared by scientists, physicians, academics and public health authorities around the world, as well as links to trusted sources," Mr Ek said.
The "new effort to combat misinformation" will roll out in the next few days, he added.
The move comes after artists, spearheaded by Mr Young, last week demanded the streaming service remove their music or drop podcaster Joe Rogan after a call from medical professionals to prevent Mr Rogan from promoting "several falsehoods about Covid-19 vaccines".
Mr Rogan, 54, has discouraged vaccination in young people and promoted the off-label use of the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to treat the virus.
The podcaster, who has a US$100 million (S$135.6 million) multi-year exclusive deal with Spotify, was kept on and Spotify complied with Mr Young's demand and started removing his catalogue of songs.
The company voiced "regret" over Mr Young's move but cited a need to balance "both safety for listeners and freedom for creators".
Spotify's move drew applause online from organisations including video-streaming platform Rumble, which credited the Swedish company with "defending creators" and standing "up for free speech".
But Mr Young, 76, also garnered wide praise for taking a stand, including from the World Health Organisation chief.
The musician also urged fellow artists to follow his lead, and calls for boycotts and cancelled subscriptions flourished on social media.
"Based on the feedback over the last several weeks, it has become clear to me that we have an obligation to do more to provide balance and access to widely accepted information from the medical and scientific communities guiding us through this unprecedented time," Mr Ek said.
In addition, Mr Ek said the company will publish its platform rules, which include guidelines for creators on what Spotify labels "dangerous" and "deceptive" content.
