Inappropriate advertising between podcast episodes

[LButler88]

I’m a long-time Premium account holder based in the UK and want to raise a concern about inappropriate adverts I've recently heard while listening to podcasts on your platform.

Between episodes of Shagged Married Annoyed this evening around 8pm on 27/9/2025, listening through an Alexa device, I was served a US-based advert for ICE recruitment (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The content of the advert was deeply offensive, portraying immigrants in a criminal light and promoting a message that I found morally troubling and inappropriate, especially for a UK audience.

As a Premium user, I was under the impression that my subscription would offer an ad-free experience, or at the very least, avoid content that is politically charged or ethically questionable.

I've also recently heard advertising for medications that would not be permitted in the UK. I’ve never encountered this type of advert before, even when listening to US-based podcasts, and it was particularly jarring to hear it during a UK-based show.

I understand that ad placements may be automated or regionally targeted, but I urge Spotify to review the suitability of such content, especially when served to Premium listeners who pay to have advertising removed, in the UK. I would appreciate clarification on how these ads are selected and whether there is a way to opt out of such material.

[AnnieKerns]

I am US based and pay for premium. I don't pay for the ad experience but I don't want my dollars being applied to things I don't believe are morally appropriate. I have already heard and seen that people are dropping Spotify. I will boycott if nothing is done about this. As a loyal listener since 2012, I find it sad that we are living in times of such division and that this is even an issue. Please do better. Otherwise, it's been a fun time. And goodbye. 

[stephanyx]

I am a premium user and have not heard the ICE ads. I am extremely disappointed that Spotify would support this hateful rhetoric. I guess that means I will be switching music streaming services. 

[Username6798]

Cancelling my subscription TODAY

[reidthom]

Those disrespectful customer assist people did the digital equivalent of hanging-up on me three times over several hours today on this exact topic. Incredibly rude customer 'service.'

I'm going to cancel if this disgusting amoral profiteering-driven move isn't reversed in a couple days. I'm disgusted with spotify.

Since they have no moral compass, hopefully someone who has given them thousands (and would have given them tens-of-thousands) cancelling guides them towards morality. The whole experience makes me feel just gross.

[Windstormsbreeze]

I am sad to say that this will be my last month with Spotify 😢

[Momo63]

TAKE DOWN the ICE ads, Spotify!

[US25]

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently running recruitment advertisements on Spotify in the United States. Due to the nature of current events, I request Spotify reconsider allowing advertisements from this agency.

[Ericofmemphis]

So the most recent casualties of ICE in my world are a yoga teacher and a cancer researcher who are both here on visas. The portrayal of these people as belonging to a criminal class is just wrong. They've contributed so much and given so much back to this country and this is how they are repaid. THE AMOUNT OF KNEE BENDING AND RING KISSING IS DISGUSTING. F**K THIS

[kpoaifo]

https://community.spotify.com/t5/Live-Ideas/An-option-to-stop-hearing-ads-from-organizations-like-IC...

[user-removed]

Im cancelling my account now. For others reading through the Spotify community to learn more about these abhorrent neo Nazi recruitment ads, please post your discontent to the forum and write a feedback note to the Spotify team. Supporting an organization that is actively kidnapping people in broad daylight, harassing and assaulting vocal critics of their inhumane practices, and treating people as sub human is absolutely disgusting. Do better, Spotify.

[netdev777]

One of the reasons I am a longtime Spotify user is the ads free Premium account. But recently I hear ads during listening my favourite podcast. It's very annoying and not professional. Paying for no ads is getting no ads.