Hey, that’s not an M.I.A. song.
Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform, recently faced backlash after explicit content surfaced in its search results. A Reddit user ignited the discussion by sharing a screenshot showing a pornographic video appearing among the suggested results for the rapper M.I.A. Although the video shown in their post did not appear when others searched, further investigation uncovered more sexually explicit content lurking within Spotify’s “Video” tab.
A Disturbing Discovery
The issue came to light when users scrolled through the “Video” section in search results for certain artists. Some accounts responsible for the explicit uploads were long-standing contributors of erotic audio but had recently branched into sexually graphic video content. One such account—identified by a seemingly random string of alphanumeric characters—has been consistently uploading explicit videos disguised as podcasts since mid-November.
While Spotify has built its reputation as a safe and user-friendly platform for streaming music and podcasts, these incidents highlight concerning gaps in its content moderation processes.
Spotify Responds…Sort Of
Spotify was quick to act on the reports. Laura Batey, a representative for the company, confirmed that the flagged examples had been removed, citing violations of Spotify’s policies, which explicitly prohibit sexually explicit material. However, the company has yet to provide a detailed explanation of how these videos managed to bypass its moderation systems in the first place.
According to Spotify’s official policy, any content that features sexually explicit material is strictly forbidden. Yet the loopholes exploited by these accounts raise questions about the effectiveness of Spotify’s safeguards and how vigilant the platform is in monitoring user-generated uploads.
A Flawed Reporting System
One of the biggest challenges for users encountering inappropriate content on Spotify is the lack of an in-app reporting feature. To report problematic material, users must first copy the URL of the offending content and then visit a separate webpage dedicated to flagging potential violations. This cumbersome process deters many users from taking the time to report inappropriate uploads, allowing explicit content to persist unchecked for longer periods.
The recent revelations have also reignited discussions about similar incidents in the past. For instance, users on Reddit have shared other examples of explicit videos and even erotic audio tracks appearing in algorithmically generated playlists like “Discovery Weekly.” Additionally, a 2022 Vice report exposed a range of explicit material on Spotify, including sexually explicit audio tracks and graphic nudity featured in user-created playlist cover art.
A Recurring Problem
Pornographic content on Spotify isn’t a new phenomenon. The platform’s openness to user-generated content, especially in the form of podcasts and playlist covers, has made it vulnerable to abuse. While Spotify’s vast library of music and podcasts is a strength, it also presents a moderation challenge that the company has struggled to fully address.
The most recent incident underscores the importance of improving content moderation and user reporting tools. With more than 500 million active users globally, Spotify’s inability to filter out inappropriate material not only tarnishes its reputation but also risks alienating its loyal user base.
What Needs to Change
To prevent such incidents from recurring, Spotify needs to take immediate steps to tighten its content moderation practices. Here are some suggested improvements:
- Enhanced Moderation Systems: Spotify should invest in more robust AI-driven content moderation tools that can quickly identify and flag explicit material before it goes live.
- Streamlined Reporting Features: Introducing an in-app reporting button would make it easier for users to flag inappropriate content directly, reducing the time explicit uploads remain accessible.
- Stronger Account Verification: Implementing stricter verification measures for podcast creators and other content uploaders could help prevent abuse by anonymous accounts.
- Regular Audits: Spotify could conduct periodic reviews of its platform to identify and remove inappropriate content proactively.
Conclusion
As Spotify continues to expand its offerings, it must prioritize user safety and maintain the trust of its audience. While the platform’s swift removal of explicit videos in this instance is a step in the right direction, the underlying issues remain unaddressed. Without significant changes to its content moderation and reporting systems, Spotify risks further incidents that could damage its reputation and user trust.
For now, users are left navigating a flawed system to report inappropriate material while questioning how a platform of Spotify’s stature allowed this content to slip through the cracks. The ball is now in Spotify’s court to reassure its users that it is a safe space for music and podcasts—and not an inadvertent hub for explicit content.
