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Spotify updates to privacy policy leave users furious

The latest privacy policy update from Spotify has left worldwide users outraged. Users want to know how the service could use all the new information asked for in the update, some of which includes access to photos, phone contacts and voice commands.

Spotify says that the information is optional in many cases. The location of users is something being asked for, but Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, made it known that users can opt out of sharing this information. Some information cannot be blocked, such as information the company asks from third parties.

The Telegraph says the new information will be used to improve the service for individuals. For example, having a location would enable Spotify to offer local advertisements for those who use the free service.

Many angry users went to Twitter and made it clear that they were cancelling their Spotify subscriptions and closing their accounts. Free and premium users have been affected by the decision.

Ek has apologised for the update, but this has not molified users. Users who want to close their account, still want access to the music. The privacy policy will update again in a few weeks, as announced by Ek. It will explain more about how the information will be used. 

Interestingly, in a recent  blog report by security guru Bruce Schneier, looking at a research paper that seeks to calculate the differential value of privacy-invasive advertising practices, the conclusion is that most personal information had little value. Overall, the ability to target advertising produces a 29 percent greater return on an advertising budget, mostly by knowing the right time to show someone a particular ad.

This story originally appeared in SCMagazineUK.com.

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