Spotify removes Neil Young

The streaming service Spotify has removed legendary rocker Neil Young's music from the library after protesting the multi-million dollar deal the Swedish service struck with a podcaster that spreads rampant antivax stories. Young took action after 270 scientists and medics objected to martial artist Joe Rogan's podcasts in an open letter. Young said that he would withdraw his music if Spotify continues to offer Rogan's disinformation. The service, which once started with music but later expanded its offerings to podcasts, sided with the controversial Rogan.

Young, who has been promoting social positions throughout his career and became a victim of polio at a young age, pays a high price for his principled action. He announced on Wednesday that Spotify accounts for 60 percent of its streaming revenue worldwide, but the artist says it doesn't want to support “the life-threatening misinformation that Spotify is spreading to the music-loving audience”. With his action, Young raises the pressure around libertarian Rogan's podcast and again draws attention to the bad role it plays in the public debate.

Spotify says it regrets Young's bellsuit in a response and that since the start of the pandemic, they've already removed 20,000 podcasts dealing on corona. The music giant doesn't explain why they signed a contract for $200 million with the notorious disinformation distributor Joe Rogan. Rogan's podcast is offered exclusively on Spotify.

Spotify under fire for expensive contract with podcaster spreading pandemic disinformation. But there's more. Only yet protest from artists because CEO puts money into dangerous AI project of the arms industry. A good alternative? #iamnewhere #neilyoung
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