Spotify quickly apologizes due to privacy changes causing anger

Spotify tried to quietly change its privacy policy, but issued a public apology after members and subscribers voiced their displeasure over the changes.

The policy change requested access to pictures on mobile devices, phone contacts, voice controls, and location information - but Spotify justified the changes.

Users are able to choose which images they choose with Spotify, and have control over how the images are stored and used. The location identification is to help personalize recommendations, along with share information about trending music in a user's area. Spotify might include voice controls so it's easier to control playlists, and isn't interested in accessing a user's microphone without permission.

"In our new privacy policy, we indicated that we may ask your permission to access new types of information, including photos, mobile device location, voice controls, and your contacts," Spotify said in a news post. "Let me be crystal clear here: If you don't want to share this kind of information, you don't have to. We will ask for your express permission before accessing any of this data - and we will only use it for specific purposes that will allow you to customize your Spotify experience."

Spotify has vowed to update the new privacy policy in the near future to "better reflect what we have explained." Anyone with questions or concerns can email Spotify: privacycomments@spotify.com