Music News

Using Spotify to smuggle censored stories out of war zones and repressive countries

Spotify is useful for many things, including getting the word out from some of the most dangerous and repressive areas of the world.

According to Digital Music News, Reporters Without Borders Germany is using Spotify get sensitive stories past local censors.

While traditional outlets are either banned or heavily monitored (think YouTube, Facebook and Twitter restrictions in China), authorities have allowed streaming services operate within the country. Stories that would otherwise be suppressed are turned into songs which are then uploaded to a special playlist. This has worked for reporters embedded in places like China, Egypt and Uzbekistan.

If you’re interested, The Uncensored Playlist can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer. How long journalists will be able to use this online loophole remains to be seen.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39692 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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