Spotify has updated its Terms of Service, requiring user accounts to be registered in their country of residence, meaning a Kenyan user must have a Kenyan Spotify account. This change aims to enforce geo-restrictions on content catalogues, pricing, and tax compliance, effectively preventing users from using VPNs or other methods to access cheaper plans or different content libraries in other regions.

• The new rule dictates that account creation location matters, and access is now limited to the version of Spotify offered in the user's country of residence.
• This move is seen as aligning with strategies by other streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, which have also tightened controls over account usage and residency.
• The primary motivations for Spotify include enforcing licensing and copyright rules, ensuring uniform pricing and tax compliance, and preventing abuse through VPNs or modified apps.