Senator Hassan Questions Spotify Over Removal of 200 Fake Drug-Peddling Podcasts

Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire has demanded detailed answers from Spotify regarding the proliferation of fake podcasts promoting the illicit sale of opioids and other prescription drugs on its platform. Following a Business Insider investigation that uncovered over 200 such podcasts, many of which were removed only after media exposure, Hassan urged Spotify to strengthen its content moderation to prevent these dangerous podcasts from appearing, especially those potentially containing fentanyl. She highlighted the tragic consequences of drug overdoses, particularly among teens who may be purchasing counterfeit pills online, and called for greater cooperation between law enforcement and online platforms to address this crisis. Hassan's letter requests information about Spotify's moderation policies, the extent of user interactions with the removed content, and whether the company profited from these podcasts. Despite Spotify's assertion that it is working to detect and remove violating content, Hassan criticized the company for not exercising sufficient diligence. The issue underscores ongoing concerns about the role of digital platforms in facilitating illegal drug sales and the urgent need for more effective prevention measures.