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.

[Basisto]

I'M RUSSIAN, AND NOBODY CARE WHAT YOU WANT! Russian music can't be cancelled just because you don't like something.

[smart_lamb]

You comment has been reported to moderators.
I propose to block this user and ban it from using all Spotify services based on his/her support of terrosist actions carried out by the russian federation in Ukraine.

[CTLR-X]

 is it you? Looks like you already are.

[sashk0]

and here is a walking depiction why russia is a fascist society. musicians whining about being canceled while supporting ongoing genocide of Ukrainians. pathetic. 

[Jai_K]

Perfect example of why ruzzia should be kicked out of all the western platforms. They want to create their own world, let them use ruzzian technology and services to stream ruzzian content. 

Why is Spotify supporting terrorism?

[mandarinus9]

Hello Spotify people, how much do we need to wait until you reply at least something? I'm in the middle to switch to some other streaming service because of annoying recommendations of russian music

[Tokyonight]

Spotify should really think about excluding Russian musical artists from its platform because their music, they actually help fund the Russian war machine. Just recently, Russia launched a high-tech missile strike on Ukraine's main national children's hospital, causing lots of casualties and massive damage. Plus, Russia has been officially recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism, which just shows how they systematically support terrorist activities. Given all this, Spotify needs to take action to make sure it doesn't end up supporting an economy that fuels such aggression and terror.

[283Alex]

AGREE

[VÏKÆ]

And what if you’re a Ukrainian artist who sings in both Ukrainian and Russian and English? Genuine question!! 

[sashk0]

well, you can always drop the "russian" part if you want to keep calling yourself a Ukrainian artist 🚮

[RomanUA1]

Plan

Premium

Country

Ukraine

Device

(iPhone 14PRO, Macbook Air M2, iMac M1)

My Question or Issue

Why, after more than 2 years of full-scale war, does Spotify keep pushing me to Russian artists? I don't want to hear it! I mark it as "Remove", but Spotify constantly promotes the content of a terrorist country that kills civilians every day. I have already written about it, but there has been no reaction!

[Jegoruszkow]

My idea isn't that unique. Thousands of people are upset, thousands are angry. But non of us be able to get rid of that trash from. Isn't that idea of any business is to make customers be satisfied? I pay my money not for making me angry. Why having possibility to add artists to loved ones I have no option to put one to hated? I can't believe that it is a tough technical problem, unless the official company policy is support terrorism and genocide. 

Please make me and dozens of millions other people happy with no more songs that we do not want to listen to. 

[Jai_K]

We should able to filter out languages we don't want to hear. Or specific countries (artists of which we do not wish to hear). 

Soon enough you're going to start facing legal issues for triggering people's PTSD. 

[Jai_K]

It's not about a specific artist. As a user, I should be able to filter out languages I don't want to hear. (Doesn't have to apply to ruzzia and Ukraine).

Additionally I should be able to filter out countries of origin of the artist.

That would solve 95% of the problems for everyone. And reduce any liabilities Spotify might face in the future.

[Onip4ik]

Guys, it is not a joke.

I do not listen russian music, but Spotify recommends me to listen it, despite previously I listen only Spanish, Korean and Ukrainian music on Spotify.  Stop recommend me russian music, please! russia occupied a part of my country, kill thousands of people, destroyed our cities and you offer me their music!

[pysar]

After I spent a few months hiding (there is no way to block) russian compositions, the recommendations got better for a while. Then around mid-August 2024, the weekly list became 95% russian. As many others here, I do not have any russian songs in my playlists. Half of the compositions in my playlsits are classical. Respectively, 40-60% of music that I listen to weekly is classical. I can understand how a few occasional recommendations might go through but when the weekly list is composed exclusively of russian rap and pop, the algorithm is definitely broken. This thread was started back in January and has 33 pages. So, there has been definitely enough exposure and enough time at least to check for the bias. Yet, nothing was done and things are only getting worse.

It sounds (no pun intended) like Spotify is actually being paid to promote that, um, noise. Either that or it actually snubs or even taunts its users. It might be time to start evaluating the competitors.

[olarhatua]

Spotify is forcing a culture on me (and a poor-quality one at that) from a community whose representatives are killing my fellow citizens every day. It’s a very strange situation where I’m paying money only to receive reasons for negative emotions. Every week, I have to manually block more than 10 Russian artists because Spotify keeps suggesting them. How about stopping this assault on our minds? We’re already having a hard time as it is

[Jai_K]

Since Spotify doesn't seem to care that their "algorithms" are causing emotional pain and suffering to millions of their users, perhaps it's time to consider a class action lawsuit? 

Seems like the threat of profits and legal consequences is the only way to get anything done in the good ol' USA! 

[LvivUA]

How long do we have to wait for Spotify representatives to respond and take some action in this direction? Because I'm frankly tired of blocking artists from russia so that these songs will finally stop being recommended to me.

If there is no progress on this issue by January 1, 2025, Spotify will automatically be added to my list of services that support the genocide of Ukrainians! And I will stop using this service.

Thank you for your attention.

#spotify #stoprecommendedrussiansong #GloryToUkraine 

@spotify

[01exandr]

Same here. Spotify ignoring users from Ukraine, and it's been long enough. For me it is the last month I've paid for family plan, done with this ruZZi simpathyzers.