Request for Sensitivity in Content Recommendations for Ukrainian Users

[a_user_from_ua]

Dear Spotify,

I am writing to address a concern that has significant cultural and emotional implications for many of your users, particularly in Ukraine. As you are aware, the ongoing imperialistic russian war in Ukraine, has had profound and painful effects on the lives of millions of Ukrainians. The war, marked by severe trauma, loss, and displacement, has deeply impacted the Ukrainian people's relationship with Russian language and culture.

In this context, a lot of Ukrainian users of Spotify have reported the platform's algorithm frequently recommending Russian content. This includes users who have not previously engaged with such content or have actively avoided it. For many, the Russian language has become inextricably linked to the suffering and anguish caused by the russians. Consequently, encountering Russian content on a platform intended for entertainment and relaxation can be distressing and triggering.

While I recognize Spotify's commitment to offering a diverse range of content to its global audience, I believe it is crucial to consider the unique and sensitive situation faced by Ukrainian users. To address this, I propose the following solutions:

1. Opt-Out Feature for Specific Content: Implement a feature allowing users to opt out of content from specific languages or regions. This will enable Ukrainian users to avoid Russian content and create a more comfortable and personalized listening experience.

2. Sensitive Content Recommendations: Enhance the recommendation algorithm to be more sensitive to the geopolitical context. This could involve reducing the frequency of Russian content suggested to users in Ukraine or those who have a history of engaging with Ukrainian content.

3. User Feedback Integration: Incorporate user feedback mechanisms to understand and adapt to individual preferences, especially in regions experiencing conflict or tension.

I understand that music and podcasts are universal languages that transcend borders and conflicts. However, in times of turmoil and strife, the cultural and linguistic nuances become more pronounced and carry a deeper significance. My request is not about limiting cultural exchange but about providing a safe and considerate listening environment for all your users, respecting their emotional and cultural contexts.

I hope Spotify will consider this request seriously and take steps to ensure its platform remains a source of comfort and enjoyment for everyone, regardless of their geopolitical situation.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

UPD

To everyone who’s commented along the lines of, “You can’t expect Spotify to get rid of an entire language of music just because it offends you. With that logic, they should remove every language that has caused harm to anyone”: please read the post carefully.

We are simply asking for an option that allows users to configure languages they prefer not to hear. This does not mean we are asking Spotify to remove that content from the platform altogether.

[venitnelav]

I really like the "discover weekly" personal playlist. I found there great part of nice songs. But in last month it is almost unbearable to listen
Recently I was looking for a solution to not listen any russian music, because it trigers me as they are constantly launching drons and rockets over my city, you know 😃
But there are no solution to block music released from specific country.
I have a possibility to "dont play the artist" or "hide" a song which i was constantly trying to do in hope that it will help to adjust my recomendations. But here am I, starting the work on Monday, opening Spotify to listen something new and interesting. but my weekly playlist consist of 70% russian songs. It is really dissapoiting

[liberborn]

Actively support it. It's very personal for me. A year ago, my flat was almost destroyed by a Russian missile in Lviv, Ukraine. You can read it on the web or Google it. I just can't listen to any Russian words as they bring me deep trauma and remind me of those events.

[Dannybond]

You can’t expect Spotify to get rid of a an entire language of music just because it offends you. With that logic they should get rid of every language that caused harm to anybody. 
Maybe try using a different music service.

[TarikVov]

This post needs a boost because Spotify is actively ignoring its Ukrainian users. Their algorithms are either flawed or being manipulated, and Spotify refuses to address the issue. I've been a Spotify user for over 10 years, but only since the beginning of the war has Spotify started shoving Russian genocidal music down my throat, which never happened before the war. Something is clearly wrong, and Spotify is choosing to ignore it.  Spotify - LISTEN TO YOUR AUDIENCE!!!

Everyone who liked and commented before, please do so again — this post needs to be boosted! 

[endore8]

Unfortunately does not look like there is any progress with this. 

I have never listened to russian music or music in russian. Nevertheless every week I am recommended in the Discover Weekly and Release Radar a bunch of russian music. That is super annoying!!! I keep blocking songs and artists, but it still recommends others to me! What service is that? I've been a user of Spotify for almost ten years, and I am considering switching to something else because this is unbearable. I do not want to listen to russian, and I explicitly have shown that many times.

[endore8]

They should respect user's preferences for what languages they want to listen to, and especially what languages they want to be recommended by Spotify.

[FFbarney]

Spotify recommendation algorithms are getting worse and worse. I don't listen russian music, and I never have. But still, russian music can take up to half of the week's recommendations. When will this problem finally be solved? I'm tired of blocking this **bleep** and it doesn't help at all. I'm thinking about switching to apple music, even though I like the spotify interface better.

[sergiwez]

unfortunately, Spotify doesn't **bleep**

[TarikVov]

It's been almost a year and Spotify didn't even care to reply to one of their most liked and commented requests. That's a clear sign that they DO NOT CARE about their Ukrainian audience at all, to the point they don't even bother to reply, not even talking about doing an investigation. Spotify, just let us know if you are planning to ever look into this. Otherwise, your silence is a direct confirmation of you purposefully forcing russian music on all Ukrainians, thus spreading russian propaganda. You NEED to let us know what your official stand here is.

[Yarolsav]

Totally agree!