Turkey initiates anticompetitive investigation into Spotify's business practices
Turkey's Competition Authority (Rekabet Kurumu) has initiated an investigation into Spotify, the popular online music streaming service, over allegations of anti-competitive practices and unfair business conduct in the Turkish market. The probe, which began in early July 2025, focuses on whether Spotify has engaged in preferential treatment by giving certain artists more visibility on its platform and whether its licensing agreements have affected the distribution of royalties in ways that may harm competition in the music industry.
The investigation comes amidst growing concerns about controversial content hosted on Spotify's platform. Batuhan Mumcu, Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, has publicly criticised Spotify for ignoring repeated warnings to remove such content, which allegedly disrespects religious values and national sentiments, including content deemed offensive to religious figures and government officials. The situation has prompted closer government scrutiny, with the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry considering legal action against Spotify over content that officials describe as contrary to the country's moral and cultural values.
Spotify has stated it complies with applicable laws and is cooperating with the Competition Authority but has not yet been provided with detailed information about the investigation's scope. Birol Kule, chairman of Türkiye's Competition Authority, has emphasised that the investigation is not only about economics but also cultural preservation. Kule has noted that competition is not only an economic principle but also a foundation of social justice and equal opportunity.
Kule has also stressed that the investigation aims to ensure fair competition in the music industry, equal conditions for content creators, and the protection of cultural diversity in the digital space. The inquiry will examine whether Spotify's licensing practices and operational policies have created barriers for rival services or influenced the distribution of royalties within the music ecosystem.
The investigation is also focused on ensuring fair access to market opportunities and the ability of rival platforms to operate effectively. Turkish officials and artists have challenged Spotify over its local representation, with Birol Kule threatening to take necessary steps to ensure that any violations on Spotify are not left unpunished.
No prior context was provided, so it's unclear what specific content or actions led to these challenges and concerns. However, Kule has indicated that the Türkiye's Competition Authority will continue to monitor the Spotify case closely and act with responsibility. As digitalization accelerates, Kule has emphasised that it is essential for artists to receive fair visibility and compensation. The ongoing investigation is a significant development in the relationship between Spotify and the Turkish government, and its outcome could have far-reaching implications for the music industry in Turkey and beyond.
The Turkish Competition Authority has initiated an investigation into Spotify in Ankara, Turkey, over alleged anti-competitive practices and preferential treatment in the music industry. This comes after growing concerns about controversial content hosted on Spotify's platform, with Deputy Minister Batuhan Mumcu publicly criticizing Spotify for disrespecting religious values and national sentiments.
The investigation aims to ensure fair competition, equal conditions for content creators, and the protection of cultural diversity in the digital space. It will examine Spotify's licensing practices and operational policies for potential barriers to rival services or biased royalty distributions within the music ecosystem.
Additionally, the inquiry will focus on providing fair access to market opportunities and enabling rival platforms to operate effectively. Addressing local representation concerns, Birol Kule, chairman of the Turkish Competition Authority, has threatened to take necessary steps to address any violations by Spotify.
The ongoing investigation could have significant implications for the music industry in Turkey and beyond, as digitalization accelerates and fair visibility and compensation for artists become increasingly important.
