Spotify, the audio streaming platform, has aimed to balance creator freedom with content moderation as it responds to controversy surrounding “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast.

The background

A recent episode of Joe Rogan’s popular, long-running podcast, which is exclusively available on Spotify, featured misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. In response, artists like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell pulled their content from Spotify – a move, in turn, reigniting a wider debate about how media and tech platforms empower creators and moderate content.

Spotify’s response strategy

• Spotify discussed various content issues with Rogan’s team, who retain full creative control of his...