News

Is “trying harder” enough for Spotify to forgive Rogan?

Published

4 years ago

February 1, 2022

The Podcast host at the centre of Spotify’s disinformation saga is pledging to over more balanced views

Joe Rogan apologises to the streaming service, which is facing heavy criticism over episodes on The Joe Rogan Experience featuring guests who shared Covid conspiracy theories.

Just hours after the streaming service announced a plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19 misinformation, Joe Rogan speaks out.

His Instagram video apology is in regards to the worldwide backlash following two recent episodes of Rogan’s podcast, which featured two Covid skep-tics guests.

In an almost 10-minute long Instagram video posted on Monday, Rogan said he would “try harder to get people with differing opinions on his show.

The controversial episodes feature Cardiologist Dr Peter McCullough and Immunologist/virologist Dr Robert Malone.

They each expressed views that were contrary to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rogan says his podcast – which reaches an estimated 11 million listeners per episode – as “just conversations” which are about having fun and talking.

Spotify’s response

Spotify has since said it is working to add content advisory warnings to any podcast discussing Covid-19.

The company is developing a global COVID-19 Information Hub to direct listeners to solid medical information in future.

Dedicated content advisory will be now added to podcast episodes that mention and discuss coronavirus.

Spotify posted a statement to their website, saying that the service was formed with the intention of enabling “the work of creators around the world to be heard and enjoyed by listeners around the world”.

The statement addresses concerns raised by users regarding the Covid-19 information policies… adding they have now drawn lines between “what is and isn’t acceptable”.

This comes as musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell withdrew their music from Spotify last week, in protest against COVID-19 misinformation on the platform.

This is costing the company billions of dollars in market value.

Spotify doesn’t just host Rogan’s podcast, they’re paying him a reported $100 million for the right to do.

Journalist Ernest Owens says Spotify hosts have a responsibility to uphold certain standards, especially when it comes to life and death.

#Spotify will add a content advisory to podcasts that discuss #Covid19 @MrErnestOwens says Spotify hosts have a responsibility to uphold certain standards pic.twitter.com/BiDPcABgTX
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) January 31, 2022

The spotlight on Spotify

But now, pressure is mounting on other social media sites to tackle harmful falsehoods and conspiracies about vaccines and Covid-19 throughout the pandemic.

Written by Brittany Coles and Savannah Pocock

News

OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

19 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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#OpenAI #SmartSpeaker #AIHardware #TechNews #Innovation #Manufacturing #AIRevenue #FutureTech

News

Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Published

19 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.

The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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#GazaPeace #Putin #Trump #MiddleEast #InternationalRelations #WorldLeaders #Ceasefire #GlobalPolitics

News

Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Published

19 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.

Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.

Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.

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