Spotify is facing backlash after some users reported finding explicit videos in search results, particularly related to popular artists like rapper M.I.A. The issue has emerged amid concerns over the platform’s content moderation system.
Spotify faces backlash over explicit content in search results
The controversy began when a Reddit user, @Milk_Steak_Jabroni, shared a screenshot showing a pornographic video appearing in Spotify’s search results for M.I.A. The Verge confirmed that the specific video did not replicate in their search, but similar explicit content was found in the “Videos” tab.
Several users expressed frustration on Reddit, indicating the difficulty in reporting explicit videos. One user reported seeing pornographic content in their main feed and noted the lack of a convenient reporting function within the Spotify app. Instead, users must copy the content’s URL and navigate to a webpage to report violations.
Moderation system shortcomings
A Spotify representative, Laura Batey, told The Verge that the reported videos were removed for violating its content policies, which strictly prohibit sexually explicit material. The current moderation issue is compounded by the fact that podcast uploads are not pre-moderated, allowing explicit content to bypass initial checks.
This situation aligns with past problems faced by platforms like YouTube, which has dealt with similar issues regarding explicit content appearing in videos marketed toward children. Despite having moderation systems in place, both platforms have been criticized for not effectively controlling inappropriate content.
The explicit materials include not only videos but also erotic audio that has reportedly been around for years. Users have reported instances of such content appearing in algorithmically generated playlists, such as the Discovery Weekly playlist.
Spotify’s policies define prohibited content as including, but not limited to, sexually explicit material, pornography, and visual depictions of genitalia or nudity. Although the platform aims to remove offending content, instances of such material slipping through the cracks have raised questions about the effectiveness of its current moderation system.
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