US House launches probe into Spotify over censorship

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee, led by Jordan, initiated a probe into Spotify, investigating allegations of free speech censorship. The inquiry targets Spotify’s content moderation, notably its handling of Rogan’s COVID-19 discussions and Bannon’s “War Room” podcast ban. Jordan’s letter to Spotify CEO Ek demands document preservation, including communications with foreign governments and the White House, by August 12.

Spotify faced backlash in 2022 for Rogan’s Ivermectin claims, deemed ineffective by the FDA, prompting Neil Young to remove his music. “More relevantly, it’s the pressure we are seeing the EU put on companies to censor more,” a source revealed. EU and UK laws mandate platforms censor “disinformation” or face fines, potentially restricting U.S. users’ speech.

Bannon’s 2020 ban followed threats against Fauci and Wray, with his podcast reinstated last month. EU official Breton warned X about content “spillovers” in 2024, citing the Digital Services Act’s 6% revenue fines. Spotify, headquartered in Sweden with U.S. offices, may be yielding to foreign pressures, Jordan alleges, violating free speech.