Spotify is the most popular music streaming service in the UK, with a significant lead over competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music. It holds a big part of the market, with about half of all UK music streamers using Spotify, according to MusicWeek.
Even though the UK market is quite full, Spotify keeps gaining new users. The service remains popular and doesn't seem to be losing its appeal, even in a mature market.
However, new UK laws have brought significant changes to online platforms; and Spotify is no exception. Users in Britain are now required to verify their age to access certain content, risking account deletion if they fail to do so. This move aims to protect young people and ensure compliance with the Online Safety Act, which governs online safety standards across the UK.
Why Is Spotify Asking For Age Verification?
The Online Safety Act, introduced in 2023, places new responsibilities on digital services to prevent harm and illegal activity. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify must now verify users' ages before granting access to mature content. Spotify's decision to enforce age checks aligns with these legal requirements, especially for content marked as 18+ or potentially harmful to minors. The law also covers content that might not be illegal but could be harmful to children, such as certain videos and music videos with mature themes.
Spotify has partnered with Yoti, a UK-based digital identification company, to conduct these checks. Yoti offers multiple methods to verify age, including facial recognition and ID uploads. When a user attempts to access age-restricted content, they will be prompted to show their face to their phone camera. Algorithms will then estimate the user's age based on facial features, with data deletion promised once verification is complete.
How Does The Online Safety Act Impact Spotify Users?
The legislation aims to shield children from harmful content and increase transparency around online activity. Platforms like Spotify are now required to prevent underage access to certain materials, such as music videos classified as 18+. They also have to implement robust age verification systems and provide users with tools to control their viewing experience.
For adult users, the Act introduces new options to manage the content they see. Large services, categorised as Category 1, must offer verification tools that allow users to limit exposure to certain types of content, such as hate speech or self-harm related material. Verification options might include identity confirmation, which can reduce the likelihood of encountering anonymous or abusive interactions.
The law also addresses illegal content, including child sexual abuse, terrorism, and drug trafficking. Platforms are mandated to remove such content swiftly and proactively design their services to minimise the risk of illegal activity. This includes not only removing existing harmful content but also preventing its initial appearance. Failure to comply could result in significant fines, up to £18 million or 10 percent of worldwide revenue, and criminal charges against senior staff.
What Are The Risks Of Not Verifying Your Age?
If users do not verify their age, their access to certain content may be cut off altogether. Spotify explicitly states that accounts failing age checks will be deactivated and eventually deleted. This means that users who do not complete the process risk losing their entire music library and personalised playlists.
Furthermore, accounts suspected of being used by children under 13 — the minimum age for creating a Spotify account — may be permanently removed. The law's strict enforcement aims to keep minors away from inappropriate material, but it also places the responsibility on users to prove their age for continued access.
How do I verify my Age In-App?
To verify your age, open your Spotify app and go to your account settings. When prompted, choose the Yoti age verification option. Next, show your face to your device's camera for facial recognition verification. If facial recognition does not confirm your age, upload a valid government-issued ID, and wait for the verification process to complete.
If you encounter any problems, revisiting your ID details or contacting Spotify support may be necessary. The good news? Once verified, your access to age-restricted content should resume without issue and you should be safe from account deletion.
