Spotify cracks down on pill-pushing podcasts
Spotify been clearing its platform of numerous fake podcasts that directed users to websites purporting to sell drugs without a prescription.
The issue was brought to light in recent days by CNN and Business Insider, whose separate investigations discovered some 200 podcasts peddling prescription medicines.
Recommended Videos
Many of the podcasts 'were under a minute long and are less about content and more about pushing product, providing links to websites claiming to sell opioids like Tramadol and Oxycodone,' Business Insider said in its report.
In its own report, CNN said: 'Podcasts with titles such as My Adderall Store — which has a link in the episode description to a site that purportedly sells Adderall, as well as potentially addictive pain medications like Oxycodone and Vicodin, among other drugs — were listed within the first 50 suggested results.'
While Spotify has removed much of the offending content, CNN claimed on Friday that it was 'easily able to find dozens of these fake, drug sales podcast pages, including some that had been posted on the platform for months.'
In a widely reported statement, a spokesperson for the streaming giant said: 'We are constantly working to detect and remove violating content across our service.'
Some of the offending podcasts lasted only a matter of seconds and featured a computerized voice advertising medication that could apparently be purchased in a few clicks.
In its community guidelines for creators, Spotify says that while its mission 'is to democratize audio' and to 'be a platform that enables a diverse range of voices and perspectives to share their stories with the world … that doesn't mean anything goes on our platform.'
On another page titled 'Spotify Platform Rules,' it lists examples of material that's banned from the streaming service, including 'content that illicitly promotes the sale of regulated or illegal goods' such as drugs.
Digital Trends has reached out to Spotify for an update on its effort to purge its platform of the prohibited podcasts and we will update this article when we hear back.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
MLB executive Bryan Seeley named College Sports Commission CEO after NCAA settlement approval
The newly formed agency in charge of policing rules in the remade college sports system picked Major League Baseball executive Bryan Seeley as its new CEO. The College Sports Commission announced Seeley as its new leader Friday, shortly after U.S. Judge Claudia Wilken granted final approval of the $2.8 billion House v. NCAA settlement. The settlement allows schools to directly pay players for using their name, image and likeness in endorsement deals. It also allows players to receive NIL payments from third parties. The new commission will be in charge of making sure schools adhere to the rules, which call for a $20.5 million cap on all payments. It is also setting up a clearinghouse to evaluate third-party deals worth $600 or more. 'I look forward to implementing a system that prioritizes fairness, integrity, and opportunity, while preserving the values that make college sports unique,' Seeley said in a statement announcing his appointment. 'I am energized by the work ahead and excited to begin building out our team.' As executive vice president of legal and operations, Seeley oversaw MLB investigations, compliance, state government relations, sports betting and other areas. He played a key role in MLB's sign-stealing investigation into the Houston Astros in 2020. The CSC will begin operation on July 1 when the settlement officially takes effect. ___ AP college sports:
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftal-amazon-roundup-best-june-summer-deals-tout-79dbf00f1d9b44be8b8b8ac60b94b969.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
Amazon Is Kicking Off Summer With Travel Deals Up to 89% Off This Month—Prices Start at Just $8
Amazon is kicking off the official start of summer with a slew of deals on travel essentials that'll prep you for all your upcoming trips. If you've been looking for an excuse to refresh your luggage collection, packing gear, or walking shoes, take advantage of Amazon's thousands of summer travel deals, with discounts up to 89 percent off. You can score massive savings on top-rated brands, like Samsonite, Gap, Vionic, Eddie Bauer, and Skechers. Check out our top picks, with prices starting at $8. Only for Prime members: Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside 25-inch Checked Luggage, $152 (originally $240) Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Hardside 25-inch Checked Luggage, $152 (originally $240) Flight attendant-approved: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-on Luggage, $145 (originally $170) Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-on Luggage, $145 (originally $170) Doubles suitcase space: Bagail 8-set Packing Cubes, $18 (originally $25) Bagail 8-set Packing Cubes, $18 (originally $25) Under-$10 find: Athmile Relaxed T-shirt, $8 (originally $20) Athmile Relaxed T-shirt, $8 (originally $20) Shopper-loved: Etronik Weekender Bag, $26 (originally $40) Etronik Weekender Bag, $26 (originally $40) 89% off: Foxotin Wireless Earbuds, $23 (originally $200) Foxotin Wireless Earbuds, $23 (originally $200) Podiatrist-approved: Vionic Amber Backstrap Sandals, $57 (originally $90) Vionic Amber Backstrap Sandals, $57 (originally $90) Rare deal: Unp 6-person Camping Tent, $121 (originally $170) Unp 6-person Camping Tent, $121 (originally $170) In-flight must-have: EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow, $30 (originally $35) EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow, $30 (originally $35) Perfect airport outfit: Anrabess Linen Matching Set, $32 (originally $45) You can find practically everything you need for travel on sale this month, including luggage, comfy outfits, walking shoes, and more. Some of the highlights include a Samsonite suitcase that has a TSA-approved lock for extra security, as well as a six-person camping tent that's double-layered and has mesh windows. No matter where you're jetting off to, make sure you have a sturdy set of luggage to keep your belongings secure. Travelpro's carry-on is a flight attendant-approved bag with a spacious interior that can fit up to three weeks' worth of stuff, according to one shopper. For shorter trips, this top-rated weekender bag has a separate shoe compartment to keep your clothes fresh, and a built-in USB port that'll let you instantly charge your devices. You can take advantage of massive discounts on travel-friendly outfits for the plane and beyond. Gap has an elegant midi dress with a pleated fabric and twist-front design that's perfect for formal dinners, winery tours, and more. This matching linen set is lightweight and breathable, so you can walk around tropical destinations without overheating. Athmile Relaxed T-shirt, $8 (originally $20) Tankaneo Oversized Cap Sleeve T-shirt, $15 (originally $20) PrettyGarden Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress, $31 (originally $46) Steve Madden Tori Dress, $50 (originally $99) Gap T-shirt Dress, $25 (originally $35) Yincro Flowy Maxi Skirt, $19 (originally $23) Anrabess Linen Matching Set, $32 (originally $45) Heymoments Wide-leg Shorts, $20 (originally $30) PrettyGarden Two-piece Maxi Skirt Set, $25 (originally $36) Anrabess Jumpsuit Overalls, $20 (originally $30) Columbia Freezer Tank Dress, $45 (originally $60) Hotouch Short-sleeve Linen Button-down, $28 (originally $36) Amazon dropped prices on comfy sneakers and sandals that will support your feet during long travel days and while you're sightseeing. Brooks' walking shoes come with a cushioned insole and are approved by avid travelers. Plus, podiatrist-approved brand Vionic marked down a pair of elegant arch-supporting sandals that have a memory foam sole for extra cushion. Bagail 8 Set Packing Cubes Luggage Organizers. Savvy travelers understand the importance of having the right travel accessories for an easier trip. For example, this set of packing cubes can help you organize your suitcase and sort your clothes by item or outfit. You can get a two-in-one neck pillow and blanket that'll keep you comfy and warm without taking up too much space in your carry-on. Bagail 8-set Packing Cubes, $15 (originally $25) Eachy Travel Toiletry Bag, $24 (originally $30) EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow, $30 (originally $35) Foxotin Wireless Earbuds, $23 (originally $200) Jisulife Portable Mini Fan, $16 (originally $18) Epicka Universal Travel Adapter, $20 (originally $24) Vrurc Portable Charger Built-in Cables and AC Wall Plug, $25 (originally $37) Fyy Travel Cable and Electronics Organizer, $10 (originally $13) Melsbrinna Premium Leather Passport Holder, $10 (originally $12) AceMining Portable Door Lock, $12 (originally $21) Amazon is helping you prep for camping and hiking adventures with essentials like this six-person camping tent for less than $200 and a double-sized sleeping pad that self-inflates. These Eddie Bauer men's hiking pants are lightweight and waterproof to help keep you comfy and dry when it rains. Eddie Bauer Men's Rainier Pants, $33 (originally $70) Unp 6-person Camping Tent, $122 (originally $170) SereneLife Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, $210 (originally $250) Cherainti Hydration Bladder, $9 with on-site coupon (originally $15) Cliganic 10-pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, $10 (originally $13) Fnarmw Double Sleeping Pad, $55 (originally $80) Columbia Women's Sandy River Cargo Shorts II, $21 (originally $35) Columbia Men's Crestwood Hiking Shoes, $53 (originally $70) Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes, $75 (originally $120) Teva Women's Hurricane Xlt2 Sandals, $53 (originally $75) Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Police cast wide net in probe of defunct North Texas car dealership's business practices
Desire Godfrey said it was time for a vehicle upgrade. The Lancaster mother had her eye on a Lexus. "I had a baby, so I'm looking for something reliable for me and a baby," Godfrey said. She searched online and found what she thought was the right vehicle at The Reserve Auto Group in The Colony. She described the sales process in May 2024 as a positive experience. Warranty and GAP insurance issues But an unexpected oil change six months later changed everything. Godfrey, 33, said a Lexus dealership informed her the vehicle was not under warranty. She also discovered her GAP insurance policy didn't exist. "They (Reserve Auto Group) never paid the warranty company the money they were supposed to pay to activate this warranty and this GAP insurance," she said. Car loan charges continue Godfrey said the costs were included in her car note. She filed a report with The Colony Police Department — and she's not alone. Police said they received their first complaint on Jan. 31. According to a news release, police have been investigating multiple fraud claims connected to the dealership since 2023. The business shut down in December 2024, but complaints continue to come in. Alleged auto fraud pattern Investigators said customers were allegedly instructed to write separate checks for aftermarket warranties or GAP insurance policies. Those payments were supposed to go to third-party providers, but police said the dealership allegedly cashed the checks and never forwarded the money — leaving customers without coverage. Another victim comes forward A second alleged victim, who spoke to CBS News Texas anonymously, said she and her husband also bought a Lexus from the dealership. She provided a non-activation letter from DOWC Administrative Services LLC, a company that offers GAP insurance and warranties. The letter stated: "Please be advised that Reserve Auto has failed to remit payment to Us as the Administrator and Provider for your Contract. Consequently, the Contract was not activated in our system." Investigation still ongoing Police have not made any arrests or publicly identified anyone associated with the allegations. Officers said they are continuing to vet additional alleged victims. CBS News Texas is not naming the person listed as the dealership's owner, as police have indicated he did nothing wrong. He spoke briefly by phone, saying he wanted to schedule an appointment to discuss the claims further because he believed "we did not have all the facts." When asked for clarification, he said he didn't have time to explain. Legal team responds Two emails followed the call, and attorneys from Herrin Law introduced themselves. "We have no comment at this time. Thank you for your interest in our client's side of the story," attorney Benjamin Palatiere said. He requested that all future inquiries be directed to him. Buyer left without coverage Meanwhile, Godfrey said the vehicle itself has not had any issues. But she continues to pay for a warranty and insurance that don't exist. "So nobody wants to refinance the loan. Nobody wants to give me GAP insurance," she said. "It's just more so like I'm going to take it or leave it. If I wreck the car, then I would have to figure out a way to pay that car off." Godfrey said she hopes to recover the money one day.
