Spotify acquires harmful content detecting firm Kinzen

CIOTechOutlook Team | Thursday, 06 October 2022, 03:26 IST

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Audio-streaming service Spotify Technology announced that it has acquired Kinzen, a firm that has helped it identify harmful content on the platform.

After receiving criticism earlier this year over "The Joe Rogan Experience," in which the podcaster was accused of distributing false information regarding COVID-19, Spotify made the transaction as part of its efforts to address harmful content on its service.

The Dublin-based firm has been working with Spotify since 2000, initially focusing on the integrity of election-related content. Since then, Kinzen's remit has expanded to include targeting misinformation, disinformaton and hate speech.

"Kinzen offers a combination of tools and expertise to help us better understand the content on our platform and emerging abuse trends," said Sarah Hoyle, Spotify's head of trust and safety.

Deal terms were not disclosed.

Earlier this year, Spotify said it would be more transparent in how it determines what is acceptable and unacceptable content. It published its platform rules for the first time in January. In June, it formed a Safety Advisory Council to provide input on harmful content.

Kinzen will provide early warnings about problems in different markets, helping Spotify more effectively moderate content in more languages.

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