New Spotify users must have a Facebook account

People wishing to sign-up for the Spotify music service will now need a Facebook account, the company has confirmed.

The move will not affect current Spotify users, who can continue using the service without a Facebook account. However, anyone wishing to sign up to Spotify will now need a Facebook account.

Current Spotify users have spoken out against the move. One user, Benoit Gilloz, said: "A lot of people do not have a Facebook account or to not want it to be linked to their Spotify account". Another Spotify user, Martin Bean agreed. He said: "Why the Facebook-only-sign-up? What benefit does that give users?"

Responding to concerns, Spotify said the move did not stop people creating an inactive Facebook account that is hidden from the public. The company said: "Unfortunately you will need a Facebook account to access Spotify from now on, unless you already have an account set up.

"This does not stop you creating the Facebook account adding nothing to it and making it totally private as the Facebook account does not have to be actively used."

Spotify said that linking with Facebook in this way created a "simple and seamless social experience".

Aside from users voicing their concerns online, the partnership appears to have a further problem. In section 4.5 of Facebook's terms of service, the company says people are not allowed to register if they are under 13, but the minimum age for a Spotify user is 12.

Spotify said that that "historically" users had been able to create a Spotify account from age 12, but acknowlged that Facebook had a different minimum age limit. In a statement, Spotify said:

"We do not in any way support or encourage lying about your age on the Facebook website and you should abide by Facebook rules if you wish to create a Facebook account."