Spotify will add a “content advisory” to any podcast episode that features dialogue about COVID-19, Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ek mentioned, after coming beneath hearth from rock and people legends for giving voice to misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.

“This new effort to combat misinformation will roll out to countries around the world in the coming days,” Ek wrote in a blog post printed Sunday. “To our knowledge, this content advisory is the first of its kind by a major podcast platform.”

Britain’s Prince Harry and his spouse Meghan additionally expressed their concern to Spotify about COVID-19 misinformation on its platform and are dedicated to persevering with to work with the corporate, a spokesperson for his or her Archewell basis mentioned on Sunday.

The advisory will direct listeners to a COVID-19 hub that comprises info and data from medical and well being consultants, in addition to hyperlinks to trusted sources.

The transfer comes after singer-songwriters Neil Young and Joni Mitchell introduced they’re eradicating their music from Spotify in protest that the favored streaming service has allowed the airing of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.

Young objected to his music being performed on the identical platform as Joe Rogan’s top-rated podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience.” A outstanding vaccine skeptic, Rogan has stirred controversy together with his views on the pandemic, authorities mandates, and vaccines to regulate the unfold of the coronavirus.

Earlier this month, 270 scientists and medical professionals signed a letter urging Spotify to take motion in opposition to Rogan, accusing him of spreading falsehoods on the podcast.

In a tweet on Saturday best-selling creator Brene Brown -host of the Spotify-exclusive podcasts Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead – mentioned she would “not be releasing any podcasts until further notice.”

Brown couldn’t instantly be reached for remark.

Spotify can be publishing platform guidelines for its creators, in line with Ek’s submit.

“We know we have a critical role to play in supporting creator expression while balancing it with the safety of our users,” he wrote. “In that role, it is important to me that we don’t take on the position of being content censor while also making sure that there are rules in place and consequences for those who violate them.”

© Thomson Reuters 2022