(Reuters) – Spotify Technology SA will add a “content advisory” to any podcast episode that consists of dialogue about COVID-19, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ek mentioned, after coming underneath fireplace from rock and folks legends for giving voice to misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
“This new effort to fight misinformation will roll out to nations around the globe within the coming days,” Ek wrote in a weblog submit printed Sunday. “To our information, this content advisory is the primary of its form by a significant podcast platform.”
Britain’s Prince Harry and his spouse Meghan additionally expressed their concern to Spotify about COVID-19 misinformation on its platform and are dedicated to persevering with to work with the corporate, a spokesperson for his or her Archewell basis mentioned on Sunday.
The advisory will direct listeners to a COVID-19 hub that accommodates details and data from medical and well being specialists, in addition to hyperlinks to trusted sources.
The transfer comes after singer-songwriters Neil Young and Joni Mitchell introduced they’re eradicating their music from Spotify in protest that the favored streaming service has allowed the airing of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
Young objected to his music being performed on the identical platform as Joe Rogan’s top-rated podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.” A distinguished vaccine skeptic, Rogan has stirred controversy along with his views on the pandemic, authorities mandates and vaccines to management the unfold of the coronavirus.
Earlier this month, 270 scientists and medical professionals signed a letter urging Spotify to take motion in opposition to Rogan, accusing him of spreading falsehoods on the podcast.
In a tweet on Saturday best-selling creator Brene Brown — host of the Spotify-exclusive podcasts “Unlocking Us” and “Dare to Lead” — mentioned she would “not be releasing any podcasts till additional discover.”
Brown couldn’t instantly be reached for remark.
Spotify can also be publishing platform guidelines for its creators, in accordance to Ek’s submit.
“We know now we have a essential position to play in supporting creator expression whereas balancing it with the protection of our customers,” he wrote. “In that position, it is vital to me that we don’t tackle the place of being content censor whereas additionally ensuring that there are guidelines in place and penalties for many who violate them.”
(Reporting by Helen Coster in New York; modifying by Diane Craft)
