Spotify limits API access for third-party developers

Spotify has announced changes to its Web API, limiting third-party developers' access to features such as related artists and recommendations, citing concerns about security, according to a recent blog post by Spotify for Developers.

The restricted features, including Audio Analysis and Audio Features, previously allowed developers to examine the structure, rhythm, and attributes of tracks. Spotify is also cutting access to its algorithmically-generated playlists.

The decision has sparked backlash in Spotify's developer community, with many expressing frustration over the sudden loss of functionality. "Let's be real here, this isn't about security or user privacy; this is about data being used for training AI models," wrote one developer on Spotify's community forum.

The changes affect developers with limited API access but exclude official Spotify partners and those granted specific extensions. However, critics noted that Spotify did not issue prior warnings.

A developer on Spotify's community forum wrote, "While I understand Spotify's commitment to enhancing safety and security, the sudden nature of these changes has resulted in significant time and effort being lost for many developers."