The Spotify: Hate Speech and Political Correctness in Today’s Digitized and Cancel Culture World
Abstract
James Edwards, the protagonist in the incident, heard the song “Money for Nothing” on Spotify and wondered why this song was not flagged as explicit. Spotify was a digital music, podcast, and video service that provided users with access to millions of songs and other content from creators all over the world. It was one of the largest music streaming service providers. This critical incident examines free speech and censorship regarding Spotify’s Explicit Content Policy as it applies to the Dire Straits top 40 hit song “Money for Nothing.” This decision-based critical incident is well suited for undergraduate courses in journalism, ethics, law, and government policy courses.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Freedom of Expression and Defamation
Law
Rights
and Freedoms
Journalism and Media Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of critical incidents
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 66–66
- Publication date
- 20 January 2026
- Language
- EN