Spotify is defending its decision to host U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruitment ads amid backlash from left-wing musicians and record labels. The streaming giant stated this week that the ads do not violate its policies, even as artists demand their music be removed from the platform in protest.
The outcry began after ads encouraging users to “join the mission to protect America” by becoming ICE agents began appearing for free-tier listeners. Some ads reportedly targeted law enforcement, warning, “In sanctuary cities, you’re ordered to stand down while dangerous illegals walk free.”
Independent music label Epitaph Records publicly condemned the ads, urging Spotify to “remove these ads immediately.” The band Thursday also joined the protest, calling for all ICE-related ads to be scrubbed from the platform and encouraging “collective action” to pressure Spotify.
Artists such as Massive Attack, Sylvan Esso, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have also voiced outrage, pointing to both the ICE ads and Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in Helsing, an artificial intelligence company with military ties.
Spotify responded by stating that the ICE ads are part of a broader U.S. government recruitment campaign spanning multiple media channels. A spokesperson told the Independent that the ads comply with Spotify’s guidelines and that users who dislike them can opt out by using the thumbs-down feature, which reduces or removes similar content from their personal ad feed.
The platform’s stance has ignited a new wave of tension between tech companies and left-wing activists who demand total ideological alignment with their causes.
