Spotify caught hosting hundreds of fake podcasts that advertise selling drugs

Spotify faced backlash after removing hundreds of fake podcasts promoting prescription drugs, as auto-detection failed to flag many remaining violations. While the platform claimed to comply with federal laws, the scandal highlights its reliance on imperfect algorithms. Many hosts used misleading titles or minimal audio, evading detection. As authorities intensify efforts against online drug sales and public backlash mounts, Spotify’s role in this crisis raises ethical questions about algorithmic oversight in tech companies.