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Spotify removes some Alex Jones podcasts on hate speech grounds

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By John Glenday, Reporter

August 2, 2018 | 2 min read

Spotify has proactively removed several episodes of ‘The Alex Jones Show’ podcast from its service on the grounds that they violate its policy on hate speech.

Alex Jones

Spotify silences Alex Jones podcasts on hate speech grounds

The firebrand US talk show host, Infowars founder and prominent conspiracy theorist has never shied from controversy, claiming that NASA’s moon landings were faked and alleging that the US government was involved in a terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City.

Spotify hasn’t divulged how Jones overstepped the mark this time round beyond a broad statement that several shows breached its content policies. A spokesperson said: “We take reports of hate content seriously and review any podcast episode or song that is flagged by our community. Spotify can confirm it has removed specific episodes of ‘The Alex Jones Show’ podcast for violating our hate content policy.”

Nevertheless many episodes of the programme remain available to listen to on Spotify, much to the anger of the combative right-wingers many enemies who have called for the radio show to be banned outright.

Spotify’s piecemeal action follows a decision by Google to take down four Alex Jones videos judged to contain hate speech against Muslims and transgender people, complete with a three-month livestreaming ban. Facebook has also been forced to act, banning the personality from its social network for 30 days.

NBC previously spooked advertisers over a controversial decision to interview Jones by anchor Megyn Kelly.

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Spotify is a music, podcast, and video streaming service that was officially launched on 7 October 2008. It is developed by startup Spotify AB in Stockholm, Sweden....

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