Spotify apologises for new privacy policy

Spotify’s new privacy policy – which collects user contacts, photos, location, and media files from smartphones – has been heavily criticised for its intrusive nature. 

The music streaming giant changed its privacy policy to “tailor improved user experience” – but the move has instead catalysed some to leave the service – and tweet that they are doing so.

Twitter backlash since the move, along with criticism from several journalists, inspired the company to issue an apology in an official blog post and attempt to clear up any confusion: “In our new privacy policy, we indicated that we may ask your permission to access new types of information, including photos, mobile device location, voice controls, and your contacts”, said Spotify CEO Daniel Ek. “Let me be crystal clear here: If you don’t want to share this kind of information, you don’t have to. We will ask for your express permission before accessing any of this data – and we will only use it for specific purposes that will allow you to customize your Spotify experience.”