Spotify connected to television streaming services, including Netflix and HBO Go, that recommends content to users. Spotify will mainly be using MightyTV to improve its advertising efforts on the free tier of service. In April 2017, Spotify acquired Mediachain, a blockchain startup with several technologies that can aid Spotify's effort in connecting artists and rights-holders with the tracks on its service. In May 2017, Spotify acquired artificial intelligence startup Niland, and will use its technology to improve its personalisation and recommendation features for users. In November 2017, Spotify acquired SoundTrap, an online music studio startup. On April 12, 2018, Spotify acquired
Criticism of Spotify time the artist removed his albums from competing services, following the release of his debut album "Reasonable Doubt", and later "The Blueprint". In August 2015, Spotify changed its privacy policy. The change included the following paragraph: With your permission, we may collect information stored on your mobile device, such as contacts, photos, or media files. Local law may require that you seek the consent of your contacts to provide their personal information to Spotify, which may use that information for the purposes specified in this Privacy Policy. Gordon Gottsegen of "Wired" wrote that the changes were "ridiculous", and compared Spotify