Spotify age verification in UK sparks user backlash

Spotify has introduced age verification checks in the UK, requiring users to prove their age before accessing age-restricted content. This move follows the UK’s Online Safety Act, which demands that platforms verify users’ ages to prevent underage access to adult material. While Spotify says the checks target accounts suspected to belong to users under 13, many adults have reported receiving these prompts, sparking frustration and even piracy threats from some longtime subscribers.

Spotify age verification and the Online Safety Act

The UK’s Online Safety Act, which took effect on July 25, 2025, mandates that online platforms implement stricter measures to keep minors away from adult content. Spotify’s age verification feature works by asking users to provide proof of age when accessing explicit tracks or other mature content. Similar measures have already been rolled out by platforms like Xbox, Discord, and Reddit to meet the same legal standards.

Why UK Spotify users are upset with age checks

The rollout hasn’t gone smoothly. Many Spotify users, including verified adult subscribers, have complained about frequent verification prompts disrupting their listening experience. Social media posts reveal that some users are so frustrated that they’ve threatened to cancel subscriptions or even return to music piracy—reigniting concerns about how overly strict verification measures might push users toward illegal alternatives.

What Spotify users should expect moving forward

For now, Spotify is advising users to complete the age verification process to regain full access to all content. While the company maintains the checks are necessary for compliance, it may need to refine its system to reduce false prompts for adult users. UK listeners can expect this verification to remain a standard requirement, as other platforms are likely to adopt similar measures to comply with evolving online safety regulations.