SPOTIFY is making strict changes to its popular music app that could see some accounts deleted in the wake of new UK age checks.
The world’s biggest music streaming platform has started showing popups asking people to confirm their age to access certain content meant for adults.
2
2
This can appear for things like a music video flagged as 18+.
Users can choose to confirm their age by sharing a selfie or their ID, a move that’s been seen across multiple sites in the last week to comply with the Online Safety Act.
The new law is designed to protect children from easily stumbling across inappropriate material on the internet.
Those who see the notification can choose to dismiss it – but doing so block them from using the feature they’re trying to access.
If a user does submit details to confirm their age and they’re found to be under 18 the account “will be deactivated and eventually deleted” according to Spotify’s information page.
“We are now expanding testing of improved age assurance technologies to select markets, utilizing our own internal age estimation technology and partnering with Yoti, a trusted digital identity company,” the firm said.
“This technology will help us identify if users are of eligible age to access some Spotify content and features.”
The UK’s new Online Safety Act applies to any platform with content not deemed suitable for children.
While this has mainly affected porn sites, other services such as Reddit have had to comply too with checks on pages considered too adult.
Some 6,000 porn sites complied in time with the shake-up deadline last Friday.
Ofcom is in charge of checking that websites follow the rules.
Those that don’t risk a hefty fine or being banned entirely from appearing in the UK.
Today, the regulator launched its first investigation since it all came into force.
It revealed that 34 porn sites are under investigation over concerns whether they have “highly effective age checks” in place.
Robin Tombs, CEO at Yoti, which has created some of the age check systems in use, said: “We’re proud to be working with Spotify to help create safer, age-appropriate experiences.
“”Spotify fans can access and enjoy a broad array of features and content, whilst young people will be better protected from the risk of accessing inappropriate experiences.
“We’re excited to be working closely with the Spotify team on this innovative partnership – enhancing trust and safety for users around the world.”
SAVE MONEY ON SPOTIFY
One of the best ways to save money on Spotify is sharing.
With a Premium Family subscription, you and five others can share the cost.
You each get your own Spotify account with your own playlists and everything else, it’s just billed from one place.
To use Premium Family you have to all be living under the same roof.
The plan currently costs £19.99.
If you split that six ways, you’re looking at £3.33 each, which is a lot less than paying for your own individual subscription at £11.99.
Image credit: Getty
