Spotify users reported widespread outages accessing the music streaming service, especially those using hacked versions or "cracked" apps.
The outages, which were first experienced on March 3, have been fueling theories that Spotify is now actively targeting piracy. Downdetector and social media reports hint that the firm might have activated new security settings to block pirated access to premium features.
The most plausible theories attribute this to A/B testing, the Play Integrity API offered by Google, or straightforward code modifications to the app itself. Some of the hacking crews that disseminate cracked copies of Spotify have attested to problems in updating their mods, which has put countless others at a loss in skipping the restrictions.
To date, the music streaming giant has not released any official comment about the situation.
Is Spotify Down?
According to The Sun, there are reports that Spotify is not accessible in the UK. On March 3, some users said that they couldn't play any tracks. Over 4,000 complaints surfaced on DownDetector.
Why Are Cracked Spotify Versions Not Working?
Altered versions of Spotify, also known as Spotify Mod APKs, grant users access to premium features for free. Some of these features include ad-free listening, no skips, offline downloads, and high-quality audio—all of which are normally locked behind a subscription fee. Nonetheless, recent happenings in Italy suggest that Spotify is actively shutting down such unauthorized apps.
Below are the three top hypotheses for the mysterious failure of pirated versions of Spotify, according to The Journal.
A/B Testing of Anti-Piracy Measures
A/B testing is commonly used by tech companies to test new security measures prior to launching them worldwide. Italy could have been chosen as a test market to determine whether new anti-piracy tools are effective.
When Spotify added a feature that would identify altered copies of the app, impacted users would find themselves suddenly unable to use their cracked copies.
Google's Play Integrity API
Google's Play Integrity API assists developers in ensuring that an app is operating on an unaltered device with a legitimate version of the software. If Spotify had recently adopted this API, the unauthorized copies of the app could be automatically detected, and they would not be able to work.
Modifications to Spotify's App Code
The most widely accepted theory is that Spotify has altered its app's code, making it harder for hackers to modify. According to industry experts, Spotify may have relocated or removed the patches that allowed premium features to be unlocked. As a result, previous hacking techniques have become ineffective, forcing pirated versions into obsolescence.
Hacking Groups Struggling to Release Updates
News from multiple Discord channels and hacking sites shows several of the most popular Spotify modding communities are having a difficult time updating their versions. Several developers have come right out and said that Spotify's recent security updates have made their cracked apps useless.
Users who had depended on these hacked versions have taken to social media to vent frustration, as they can no longer enjoy their premium benefits for free. This ripple of disruptions indicates that Spotify's anti-piracy efforts have been effective, at least in Italy.
What Spotify Premium Alternatives Can You Use?
For listeners desiring ad-free music streaming that does not trespass on terms of service, many legal options are available with free or affordable prices.
- Spotify Free
- Amazon Music Prime and Amazon Music Free
- YouTube Music Free
- Apple Music (Free Trial Available)
If you're for a more premium streaming plan, opt for the "Music Pro" Tier, which costs $6 monthly. However, don't expect it to be offering lossless audio.
