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Spotify Defends ICE Recruitment Ads as Policy-Compliant Despite Artist Outcry

Spotify says the spots are part of a broader U.S. government campaign across media.

Overview

  • ICE recruitment messages are running on Spotify’s ad-supported tier, with some versions referencing “dangerous illegals” and advertising bonuses up to $50,000.
  • A Spotify spokesperson says the ads comply with its U.S. advertising policy and directs listeners to use thumbs-up or thumbs-down tools to shape their ad preferences.
  • The band Thursday and sister labels Epitaph and ANTI- have publicly called for the ads to be removed.
  • Users have posted complaints on social media, with some saying they are canceling subscriptions or moving to rival services.
  • Similar ICE recruitment ads are appearing on YouTube, HBO, Hulu, and Pandora, and Spotify has not signaled a policy change as of October 21.