Audio-streaming service Spotify Technology SA has acquired Kinzen, a firm that has helped it identify harmful content on the platform, as per reports.

The acquisition is part of Spotify's efforts to deal with harmful content on its service after backlash earlier this year over ‘The Joe Rogan Experience,’ in which the podcaster was accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

The Dublin-based firm has been working with Spotify since 2000, initially focusing on the integrity of election-related content. Since then, Kinzen's remit has expanded to include targeting misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.

Spotify offers digital copyright restricted recorded music and podcasts, including more than 82 million songs, from record labels and media companies. As a premium service, basic features are free with advertisements and limited control, while additional features, such as offline listening and commercial-free listening, are offered via paid subscriptions. Spotify is currently available in 180+ countries. Users can search for music based on artist, album, or genre, and can create, edit, and share playlists.

Sarah Hoyle, head of trust and safety, Spotify says, “Kinzen offers a combination of tools and expertise to help us better understand the content on our platform and emerging abuse trends.”

According to reports, earlier this year, the company said that, it would be more transparent in how it determines what acceptable and unacceptable content is. It published its platform rules for the first time in January. In June, it formed a Safety Advisory Council to provide input on harmful content.

Kinzen will provide early warnings about problems in different markets, helping Spotify more effectively moderate content in more languages.