Senator Presses Spotify Over Pretend Podcasts That Peddled Opioids

A key senator is demanding solutions from Spotify about its dealing with of pretend podcasts that promoted opioids and different pharmaceuticals.

Within the wake of a Enterprise Insider investigation that discovered 200 phony podcasts on Spotify promoting the sale of tablets, typically and not using a prescription, Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire urged the digital music and podcast firm to average its content material higher.

Spotify has already eliminated most of the faux podcasts after BI’s story and one other story final week from CNN.

“I urge you to take motion to forestall faux podcasts that facilitate the illicit sale of medication — together with those who might comprise fentanyl — from showing in your platform,” the two-term Democratic lawmaker mentioned in a letter to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek.

“Addressing these threats requires an all-hands-on-deck strategy, and based mostly on current stories, Spotify has not exercised the extent of diligence wanted,” she continued.

Many lawmakers throughout the US have lengthy sought to handle the scourge of opioid abuse, which more and more comes within the type of fentanyl.

Fentanyl trafficking is a significant challenge for President Donald Trump, who has accused Mexico, Canada, and China of permitting the drug to be transported into the US. Trump imposed tariffs on these international locations partially to power them to do extra to stem the circulation of fentanyl.

In her letter, Hassan, a former governor, spoke of the “heart-wrenching conversations” that she’s had with constituents in her state who’ve misplaced relations or buddies to drug overdoses.

“The size of the fentanyl disaster requires cooperation amongst regulation enforcement, on-line platforms, and worldwide companions to guard our communities,” she mentioned.

Hassan additionally requested Spotify to element its moderation instruments and insurance policies and inquired in regards to the variety of drug-related podcasts it has needed to take away. She requested whether or not the platform obtained any income from the eliminated podcasts.

The lawmaker, who serves on the Senate Homeland Safety and Governmental Affairs committee, gave Spotify till June 12 to answer her inquiries.

“We’re continually working to detect and take away violating content material throughout our service,” a Spotify spokesperson mentioned in response to BI’s investigation.

Enterprise Insider reached out to Spotify for extra remark.