Recently, many Italian Spotify users have reported problems accessing the app, particularly with modified or “cracked” versions.
These cracks allowed users to access premium features like ad-free listening, unlimited skips, and high-quality audio without paying.
The issues began on March 3, with numerous reports of users unable to play music on their modified Spotify apps.
This has led many to believe that Spotify has started targeting piracy through a series of new security measures.
Reasons Behind the Crack Block
The exact reasons for the block aren’t officially confirmed by Spotify, but several hypotheses have been suggested:
- A/B Testing by Spotify: This is a common method used by tech companies to test new features or security measures. Spotify might have used this method to experiment with tools aimed at stopping piracy. In an A/B test, different versions of the app are distributed randomly, and user reactions are monitored. If one of the tests involved anti-piracy tools, this could explain the widespread issues with the cracked versions of the app.
- Play Integrity API: Spotify may have integrated Google’s Play Integrity API, which checks if an app is running on an authentic device and with an official version of the app. This would prevent unauthorized versions of the app from working.
- Changes to Spotify’s App Code: Another possibility is that Spotify has updated its app code to make it harder for modders to bypass restrictions. This would make it difficult for users to continue using cracked versions of the app.
Several groups that distribute these modified versions have confirmed that they are facing difficulties in releasing functional updates, and users are increasingly reporting that their cracked Spotify apps are no longer working.
Legal Alternatives to Spotify Premium
For users seeking a legal way to enjoy music streaming, there are several alternatives to Spotify Premium:
- Spotify Free: While it comes with ads, Spotify Free offers users access to the platform’s extensive music library.
- Amazon Music Free: A free version of Amazon’s music streaming service, offering a large selection of tracks with ads.
- YouTube Music Free: A free alternative to YouTube Music, providing access to music content with ads.
- Apple Music Free: Apple offers a free version of its music service with ads and limitations.
These legal alternatives provide users with a way to access music content while respecting copyright laws and the terms of service of streaming platforms.
