Massive Attack Removes Music from Spotify Over CEO’s Investment in Military AI

Massive Attack, the influential British band, has removed their music from Spotify in protest of the platform’s CEO, Daniel Ek, who has invested €600 million in the AI military technology company Helsing. Helsing develops AI-powered military drones and software used for battlefield decisions, with its technology reportedly aiding in defense against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Massive Attack has expressed concern over the ethical implications of Spotify profits potentially funding lethal technologies, joining a growing movement against military AI investments. The band’s protest comes alongside their involvement in the ‘No Music for Genocide’ campaign, where artists and labels are boycotting streaming services in Israel in response to human rights violations. By withdrawing their music, the band aligns with a long history of artists taking a stand on moral and political issues. However, unlike independent artists, they are unable to use Bandcamp due to their major label affiliation. The protest draws on historical boycotts like the South African apartheid, aiming to raise awareness about the moral responsibility of the music industry and its economic ties to military technologies. Massive Attack urges other musicians to take a stand against the current situation in Israel and Palestine, stressing the importance of solidarity and public action.