Spotify introduces major new restrictions for users and it's already sparking backlash

Subscribers to Spotify have been urged to double-check the site's T&Cs this week, with bosses having implemented a controversial new restriction that could see millions of accounts de-activated.

Following in the footsteps of adult content site Pornhub, the music and podcast streamer has put into place much stricter age-verification checks, so that children under 18 won't be able to access adult material.

It comes as mainstream social media sites like Reddit, X, Discord and Bluesky all feel the effects of the UK's new Online Safety Act.

According to the app's official website, Spotify's in-house tech gurus have partnered up with 'trusted digital identity company' Yoti in a bid to track down underage users who are accessing content labelled by rightsholders as 18+.

Users will now be asked to verify their age (Getty Stock Image)

As such, subscribers have been warned that they might be presented with an 'age check' when attempting to watch certain music videos, or listed particular podcasts.

How will Spotify's age verification checks work?

Well, according to representatives of the service, checks will be carried out using a facial age recognition service.

"When prompted to, enable camera access and take a photo of yourself following the in-app instructions," they advise users.

"Once you’ve taken a photo of your face using your mobile device, we use Yoti’s face-scanning technology integrated into the Spotify app to estimate your age."

The site goes on to promise: "We only use your photo to estimate your age, and it is encrypted to help keep it secure. After the age check is complete, Yoti will delete all users' data.

"Spotify will use the results of the process to improve our ability to provide an age-appropriate experience to all of our users."

The app issued an explanation of how to use facial recognition verification (Spotify)

What if the software fails?

It seems as though Spotify has already pre-empted that their newly-implemented age verifying technology might fall short in proving actual adult streamers aren't underage, with another warning having been urged.

"If you have tried the facial age estimation process but the estimate wasn’t right, you can verify your age using ID instead," the website continues.

Apparently, you can conduct this ID-related age check by finding the 'Account' section under the app's 'Settings and Privacy' tab.

Could my account be de-activated?

As we mentioned earlier, Spotify bosses have issued their new rules and regulations upon threat of account de-activation.

"You cannot use Spotify if you don’t meet the minimum age requirements for the market you’re in," the site explains.

"If you cannot confirm you’re old enough to use Spotify, your account will be deactivated and eventually deleted."

In the UK, you must be 13 or older to use Spotify.

Meanwhile, if the age verification checks determine you are under 18, you could be blocked from viewing music videos marked as 18+ by their rightsholders, but your account will not be deleted.

Users could have their accounts deactivated (Getty Stock Image)

If you are of age, yet the app's software fails you and causes your account to be removed, the streamer urges you to to keep an eye out for an email within the subsequent 90 days.

Apparently, this will invite deleted users to reactivate their account by - yep, you guessed it - going through the facial verification (or ID verification) process all over again.

"If we still can’t confirm you’re old enough to use Spotify," tech bosses go on to explain. "Or if no action is taken within 7 days of reactivation, your account will be permanently deleted."

Users' responses

Despite the app's honourable intentions, the latest restrictions implemented by Spotify bosses has sparked mass backlash online - though, largely, it seems, by users who appear not to understand the point of the new rules.

"How old do you have to be to listen to music?" one disgruntled X (formerly Twitter) user demanded.

A number of users aren't thrilled by the new restriction (Getty Stock Image)

Another hit out: "These policies will drive me and countless others to cancel our subscriptions and switch to alternatives. (Free Ones). These companies stand to lose millions in revenue as a result.

"To recover, they may pressure the UK to find workarounds, as most users will refuse to provide such personal data. With bank card details already linked to accounts, requiring additional ID verification is unnecessary and intrusive."

A third went on to say: "This selfie thing needs to be outlawed."

Tyla has contacted Spotify for comment.