Spotify has revamped its new privacy policy for a clearer explanation on how the music streaming service utilizes the data of its users, after the company faced backlash from the vague language that it used for the controversial policy that was released last month.
The new privacy policy, which took effect last Aug. 19, required users to agree that their information which Spotify gathers will be used, shared and processed by the service, including media files, pictures, details of contacts, and the location of the user.
It was unclear on why Spotify would need such information in carrying out its music streaming service, but users were being forced to agree to the policy if they wanted to continue using Spotify.
The new privacy policy sparked outrage and criticism from users due to privacy concerns, which prompted Spotify CEO Daniel Ek to issue an apology to the public regarding the matter, clarifying certain aspects of the policy and promising to protect the privacy of the service's users.
"If you don't want to share this kind of information, you don't have to. We will ask for your express permission before accessing any of this data - and we will only use it for specific purposes that will allow you to customize your Spotify experience," explained Ek.
It seems that Ek is following through with his promise, as Spotify has now released a revamped updated privacy policy with a plain-language introduction that looks to be a clear statement on Spotify's principles and approach regarding user privacy.
"We hope it provides a healthy dose of clarity and context too," wrote Ek in the Spotify blog post that announces the updated policy.
The preface states that Spotify will only collect data either to help run the music streaming service or to provide more features to users. For the second purpose, Spotify will be asking for the permission of the user before accessing data such as pictures, location, voice, data sharing or contacts. If the user would choose to allow Spotify to access such information, the user can at any time choose to revoke the permission.
Spotify said that the revamped privacy policy will be received by users over the next few days and weeks, including users that already agreed to the controversial version of the policy.
