Spotify acquires Dublin firm Kinzen to identify harmful content

Kinzen was founded by broadcasters Áine Kerr and Mark Little

Audio-streaming service Spotify Technology said it has acquired Kinzen, a Dublin firm that has helped it identify harmful content on the platform.

The acquisition is part of Spotify’s efforts to deal with harmful content on its service after backlash earlier this year over "The Joe Rogan Experience," in which the podcaster was accused of spreading misinformation about Covid-19.

Kinzen has been working with Spotify since 2020, initially focusing on the integrity of election-related content. Since then, their remit has expanded to include targeting misinformation, disinformation and hate speech. The company was founded by broadcasters Áine Kerr and Mark Little.

"Kinzen offers a combination of tools and expertise to help us better understand the content on our platform and emerging abuse trends," said Sarah Hoyle, Spotify's head of trust and safety.

Deal terms were not disclosed.

Earlier this year, Spotify said it would be more transparent in how it determines what is acceptable and unacceptable content. It published its platform rules for the first time in January. In June, it formed a Safety Advisory Council to provide input on harmful content.

Kinzen will provide early warnings about problems in different markets, helping Spotify more effectively moderate content in more languages.

• Reuters