Spotify is set to define much more strictly what constitutes a family and, above all, verify that definition. And that means more hassle is on the way.
Although Spotify is still widely regarded as the streaming service for the masses, it has also become one of the most expensive options in recent years. And as if that weren’t enough, Spotify now wants ‘family members’ to actually live under the same roof.
To enforce this, the company is introducing, among other things, a QR code that appears on the phone of the ‘plan manager’, or the person managing the subscription. Family members will then have to scan this code. And they must do so within seven days, because otherwise their Family subscription will be cancelled, and they won’t be able to sign up for another one for 12 months. Moreover, since the QR codes keep changing, sending one via a messaging app will probably be too slow. Clearly, someone has given this some thought.
We’re seeing similar developments elsewhere, with video streaming services also tightening the screws when it comes to defining exactly what constitutes a ‘family’. So you’d better get used to it.
Of course, there’s always another option: simply start buying CDs again, or purchase individual tracks and albums as DRM-free downloads. That way, you can free yourself from the subscription madness that has taken hold of the streaming world.