Spotify removes accounts without age verification – important change for users

Spotify plans to delete accounts that will not pass mandatory age verification. This is a step to increase safety and compliance.

Why does Spotify need age verification?

In recent months Spotify has introduced stricter rules to confirm the age of users to protect minors from inappropriate content such as music videos marked as 18+. The platform cooperates for this purpose with the recognized Yoti company, which specializes in digital identity confirmation. Any person wishing to access content with age restriction may be asked to pass the verification process..

What is verification and who has to pass it?

The age confirmation process on Spotify works two-track:

• Firstly, the user can verify age by using the so-called age estimation on the basis of the camera's face.
• Secondly, if the tool misestimates age or refuses this method, the age should be confirmed by a scan of the identity document.

Not everyone will be asked to do so immediately. The verification applies primarily to people attempting to view material with limitations of 18+ or new users setting up an account. However, Spotify reserves the possibility of sending a request for verification to randomly selected users to maintain consistency and compliance with laws in different countries.

Consequences of not confirming age

Spotify warns: if you are unable to pass verification or do not respond to notification,Your account will first be temporarily deactivated and then permanently deleted after 90 days.Users who fail to confirm their age by mistake have the possibility to reactivate their account via a link sent by email and re-test verification (time to respond – 7 days after reactivation).

Importantly:

• Accounts without proven age will not be able to use the platform
• The removal procedure is irreversible 90 days after inactivation
• Underage users are asked to use Spotify Kids

How to prepare for age verification?

To avoid trouble:

• Check that your email in Spotify is up to date
• Prepare an identity document (e.g. ID card, passport)
• Regularly check the mailbox on the e-mail linked to the account

How the process takes place step by step

1. You are being notified of the need for age confirmation.
2. You go to Spotify where you receive instructions.
3. You choose the form of verification: via camera or document.
4. Completed verification – account remains active; no verification – account deactivated.