Spotify feature sparks privacy backlash

Spotify is facing backlash after users discovered that its new direct messaging tool can inadvertently expose their identities across platforms, according to Cybernews. The issue surfaced on Reddit, where users reported that Spotify automatically suggested "friends" based on past song-sharing link, even with people they only knew anonymously on Discord. Because each shared track generates a unique URL tied to the senders account, recipients may be able to trace the original sharer's full name and profile. Users said Spotify had even backfilled years of chat histories, mapping connections across WhatsApp and other apps. "This is a lawsuit waiting to happen," one Redditor warned, while others voiced concerns about being doxxed. Privacy researchers at Cybernews said Spotify "did not prioritize privacy" in designing the feature, advising users to hide personal details, disable messaging, or switch to aliases. Critics argue the controversy reflects a wider industry trend, with apps like TikTok and Instagram also accused of quietly eroding user anonymity.