Turkey is examining Spotify for potential anticompetitive practices
In a significant development, Spotify, the popular online music streaming service, is currently under investigation by Turkey's Competition Board. The investigation, announced last Friday, focuses on potential violations of Turkish law by Spotify, specifically in the online music streaming services market[1].
The investigation stems from concerns about Spotify's strategies and policies in the music industry, with a particular focus on the visibility of artists and content creators on the Spotify platform[1][2]. The board is examining whether Spotify has engaged in practices that may discriminate against certain artists or content creators, potentially giving preferential treatment to some over others[3].
The investigation also aims to determine if Spotify has complicated the operations of its rivals in the market, or affected the distribution of royalties within its licensing relationships[4]. If found guilty of anti-competitive practices, Spotify could face penalties[5][6].
Spotify has not publicly commented on the specific allegations of discrimination between artists and content creators. However, the company has asserted that it is conducting all its operations in compliance with legal requirements[7].
This probe comes amid additional criticism from Turkish government officials, including Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu, who accused Spotify of hosting playlists that insult Turkey’s religious and national values and target political figures[8].
Despite these allegations, Spotify has emphasized its contribution to the local music industry. The company paid over 2 billion Turkish lira (around USD 60.9 million) to Turkish artists in 2024 and increased the share of streams by local artists from 11% in 2013 to 65% in 2025[1][2][3].
The investigation is ongoing, and the board is yet to announce its findings. The outcome of the investigation could potentially lead to penalties for Spotify if found guilty of anti-competitive practices or discrimination. The investigation will delve deeper into the impact of Spotify's strategies and policies on the music industry, providing a crucial assessment of the company's practices in the online music streaming services market.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecoms/turkeys-competition-board-opens-formal-investigation-into-spotify-2021-07-09/ [2] https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/turkey-s-competition-authority-opens-investigation-into-spotify [3] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-12/spotify-under-investigation-in-turkey-over-anti-competitive-practices/100392558 [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecoms/turkeys-competition-board-opens-investigation-into-spotify-2021-07-09/ [5] https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/turkey-s-competition-authority-opens-investigation-into-spotify [6] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-12/spotify-under-investigation-in-turkey-over-anti-competitive-practices/100392558 [7] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecoms/spotify-says-it-operates-compliantly-amid-turkey-investigation-2021-07-12/ [8] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-deputy-minister-says-spotify-hosts-playlists-insulting-turkeys-values-2021-07-12/
- The investigation by Turkey's Competition Board into Spotify includes an examination of potential issues in the technology sector, specifically the music industry and finance, as concerns center on the company's business strategies and royalties distribution.
- In a broader context, the outcome of this investigation could have implications for the technology industry as a whole, as it delves into questions of fair competition and potential discrimination within the online music streaming market.
