diff --git a/characterization/pom.xml b/characterization/pom.xml
index 6f3564b..6b90d78 100644
--- a/characterization/pom.xml
+++ b/characterization/pom.xml
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@
 			<plugin>
 				<groupId>com.diffplug.spotless</groupId>
 				<artifactId>spotless-maven-plugin</artifactId>
-				<version>2.44.5</version>
+				<version>3.9.0</version>
 				<configuration>
 					<java>
 						<googleJavaFormat>