Spotify has come under attack following a significant recent investigation. Reports displayed over 200 fake podcasts endorsing prescription medication. These included Xanax, Oxycodone, Tramadol, and even the banned opioid Opana.
Most of the podcasts contained no sound or brief AI-made audio snippets. The most important information was buried in podcast bios. These bios directed users to prescription-drug-selling websites.
The fake podcasts were not difficult to find. Some were in first-page search results. Names such as "My Adderall Store" showed up alongside legitimate addiction recovery podcasts. This was causing concerns about Spotify's content filtering. The ads marketed more than 25 prescription medications. Readers were being redirected to unregulated internet pharmacies.
Promotion and sale of prescription drugs without appropriate medical oversight create serious risks to public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that the number of overdose deaths related to counterfeit pills increased more than twofold between mid-2019 and late 2021, particularly in Western U.S. states.
Unmonitored online pharmacies have the potential to provide counterfeit, contaminated, or expired medications that could result in overdoses and other health issues.
After the investigations, Spotify has begun removing the offending material and reaffirmed its intention to identify and remove offending content found throughout its service. This incident highlights inherent problems that the platform has yet to find success in moderating, particularly with the increased use of AI-generated content.
Spotify had previously reported fake music uploads and royalty fraud associated with AI-generated tracks.
This scandal highlights all the dangers of streaming platforms filled with unmoderated content. Deception podcasts advertising drugs fell between the gaps in both of Spotify’s systems. The platform must act fast to prevent future abuse. Spotify should improve moderation tools immediately. Platforms have to protect users from illegal drug advertisements.