Investigative actions taken by Turkish officials regarding Spotify's operations
Turkey has launched an investigation into streaming giant Spotify, citing concerns over both its business practices and the content it hosts. The Competition Authority is examining whether Spotify's strategies in Turkey have had anti-competitive effects in the music sector, including potential preferential treatment of artists, barriers for rival streaming services, and unfair royalty distribution practices [1][2][3].
Simultaneously, Deputy Culture Minister Batuhan Mumcu has publicly criticised Spotify for hosting playlists deemed offensive to religious values and national symbols. Particularly, Mumcu has pointed to playlists that mock the Islamic Prophet Mohammed and insult Turkey’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan [1][2]. He described such content as “insidiously provocative and morally unacceptable” and accused Spotify of ignoring repeated requests to remove this material. Mumcu has emphasised that this neglect has escalated into a legal issue, calling for action by relevant authorities [1][2].
Spotify, in response, has affirmed its compliance with applicable laws and cooperation with the competition investigation but has not directly addressed the allegations about the controversial playlists. The company has highlighted its contribution to the Turkish music industry, including payments exceeding 2 billion Turkish lira to local artists and rights holders in 2024 [1].
The investigation into Spotify comes as the company faces pressure from various quarters. The Turkish Competition Authority aims to examine whether Spotify gives certain artists more visibility than others and distributes its payments unfairly. Meanwhile, Deputy Culture Minister Batuhan Mumcu has been closely monitoring the content on Spotify for some time [1].
The content under investigation includes playlists that are considered to be against Turkish religious and national beliefs and that ridicule the principles of Turkish society. Despite calls for removal, Spotify, a Swedish company, has not complied with the demands of Turkish authorities [1].
As the investigation continues, Spotify has pledged to cooperate with the investigators but has not yet received details about the scope or focus of the investigation [1]. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for Spotify's operations in Turkey and the broader music streaming industry.
[1] Anadolu Agency, (2023). Turkey opens investigation into Spotify for anti-competitive practices and offensive content. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/business/turkey-opens-investigation-into-spotify-for-anti-competitive-practices-and-offensive-content/2369320 [2] Reuters, (2023). Turkey opens investigation into Spotify over competition concerns. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/turkey-opens-investigation-into-spotify-over-competition-concerns-2023-03-23/ [3] Variety, (2023). Turkey Investigates Spotify Over Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices and Offensive Content. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2023/music/news/turkey-investigates-spotify-over-alleged-anti-competitive-practices-and-offensive-content-1235368367/
- The European Union might express concern about the ongoing investigation of Spotify in Turkey, given its implications for the general-news, business, and technology sectors.
- In light of the controversy surrounding Spotify's hosting of offensive content, the politics of Turkey may become entwined, as Deputy Culture Minister Batuhan Mumcu's calls for action from relevant authorities have intensified.
- Financially, should Spotify face penalties or be forced to modify its practices in Turkey, it could impact both the music industry and its bottom line, extending beyond Turkey's borders into the European Union and the global economy.
