{
  "id": 15640480,
  "title": "Spotify’s ‘QR code verification’ cracks down on sharing and could ban you for a year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/spotifys-qr-code-verification-cracks-down-on-sharing-and-could-ban",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-19T18:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/10/19/spotify-qr-code-verification-family-sharing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Spotify is introducing a new method to enforce restrictions on Family plan sharing, known as \"QR code verification.\" This new feature, detailed on a support page, aims to limit the use of Family plans by requiring members to \"verify they live with the plan manager\" through scanning a QR code. The QR code appears on the device of the plan manager and must be scanned by the other members while they are in the same location. The code changes every few seconds to prevent users from taking screenshots and using them to bypass the process. Users have a 7-day window to complete the verification process; failure to do so will result in being barred from joining any other Family or Duo plan for an entire year. They will be automatically downgraded to a free plan after the window closes.",
  "summary": "Spotify is rolling out a new method of cracking down on Family plan sharing, with “QR code verification” that’s not particularly hard to work around, but has major consequences if you miss the window. more…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}