Spotify is an online and mobile audio streaming platform that allows users to stream music, livestreams, and podcasts. It is one of the most popular music streaming platforms. A 2021 poll found that 27% of Americans stated they used the platform, second only to YouTube. The platform is also home to some of the most popular podcasts in the world, including the most popular podcast in the United States, the Joe Rogan Experience.
While the platform does have policies regarding extremist content and content that promotes hatred against different specific groups, there are several podcasts hosted by white supremacists. Moreover, there are dozens of episodes in which white supremacists are featured as guests. These episodes and shows include some prominent white supremacists and neo-Nazis.
This report is the first of a two-part series that will look at extremist content on Spotify. The second report will focus on white supremacist and neo-Nazi music while this report looks at podcasts featuring white supremacists.
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Spotify's Content Policies
The Spotify platform has several rules in its content policies that address hate, terrorist content, incitement to violence, and similar topics. For example, the policy explicitly bans "content that advocates or glorifies serious physical harm towards an individual or group" and "content that incites violence or hatred towards a person or group of people based on race, religion, gender identity or expression, sex, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation." Despite these policies, podcasts featuring white supremacists, Holocaust deniers, and others are easy to find on the platform.
Shows Hosted By White Supremacists On Spotify
On Spotify, there are several podcasts run by white supremacists, ultranationalists, neo-Nazis, and Holocaust deniers. Some of these podcasts are hosted by founders and leaders of prominent organizations.
The founder of a well-known fascist group has his podcast on the platform. This individual has been banned from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for promoting violent extremist groups and inciting violence.
The founder and CEO of an extremist friendly platform is also on Spotify, where he hosts a podcast.
The leader of an Austrian white supremacist group hosts his podcast on Spotify. This individual has been banned from the United Kingdom for his ties to extremism.
A German neo-Nazi politics podcast is available on Spotify. The hosts of the podcast interview prominent neo-Nazis.
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