Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
Spotify adds in-person QR checks for some Family plan members
Spotify is adding in-person QR checks for some Family plan members to verify that they live in the same household as the plan manager.
The two people must be together to scan a code displayed on the manager’s phone, and the code changes every few seconds.
Members have seven days to complete the check after Spotify notifies them.
Those who miss the deadline or cannot verify their address cannot join another Family or Duo plan for 12 months, though they can choose another Premium plan.
Spotify Family is intended for people who live together, but some subscribers have shared its cost with friends or relatives who live elsewhere.
Spotify already asks members for their address in certain situations and says it does not track their locations, using address checks only for verification.
The new rule may be difficult for some families to meet, including students living away from home or parents travelling for work; Spotify has not said whether further changes are planned.
Spotify is asking some Premium Family members to verify that they live with the plan manager by scanning a QR code in person.
The plan manager displays the code on their phone, and both people must be together for the scan.
Members have seven days after receiving a notification to complete the check.
Those who miss the deadline or cannot verify may be barred from joining another Family or Duo plan for 12 months.
Spotify says it checks addresses for verification and does not track users’ locations.
- Who
- Spotify and some members of its Premium Family plans.
- What
- Some members must scan a QR code in person to verify where they live.
- When
- Members have seven days after receiving a notification to complete the check.
- Where
- At the plan manager’s location, with both people present.
- Why
- Spotify says the check verifies that Family plan members live at the same address.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Spotify launched its Premium Family plan for people who live together.
Spotify tested asking some Family subscribers in the U.S. and Germany to confirm their address using GPS information.
Spotify is introducing an in-person QR scan for some Family members to verify where they live.
- Verification method
- QR code displayed on the plan manager’s phone
- Completion window
- Seven days after notification
- Penalty
- 12-month restriction on joining another Family or Duo plan
- Address checks
- Required when members join, the plan manager changes address, or Spotify cannot confirm the address on file
- Location data
- Spotify says it does not track users’ locations
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What people are saying
Spotify also says it does not track users’ locations and only checks addresses for verification.