Spotify rewords controversial privacy policy after user backlash

PanARMENIAN.Net - Spotify has made it clear that it isn't spying on its users by rewording its controversial privacy policy, Digital Spy said.

The music streaming service was hit by a user backlash and accused of Orwellian practices when it last updated its terms, but the new blurb offers much more clarity.

Spotify now tells us in plain English what information it does and doesn't collect.

Only data that falls into one of two categories is stored. The first is "information that we must have in order for you to use Spotify," such as name, IP address, listening habits and sensor information so videos can be rotated correctly.

The second is "information that enables us to offer you additional features", which Spotify will not access unless you "expressly choose to share it".

The latter category is what landed Spotify in hot water with sections of its user base, but its updated terms reveal exactly how the firm puts this data to use.

Location information is only used to create shared listening experiences and serve users with gig recommendations in their area, and Spotify only accesses your photo library to allow you to select a profile picture or images for playlists.

The app will never access your contacts list without permission and will only do so to help you find other friends who are using the service.

Spotify can be denied access to any of the data that falls into the second category, so you can take in its Taylor Swift-free library without fear of being eavesdropped on.