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Türkiye’s Competition Authority announced on Friday that it has opened a formal investigation into Spotify, citing concerns that the company’s business strategies may be distorting competition in the country’s online music streaming market.
The regulator 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 inquiry will also address allegations that Spotify may be favoring certain artists or content creators through differential visibility on its platform.
According to the board, the investigation will focus on whether Spotify’s actions violate Turkish competition law by impeding fair access to market opportunities or undermining rival platforms’ ability to operate effectively.
Spotify responded to the announcement by stating that it conducts all of its operations in compliance with applicable legal standards.
In a separate development, Türkiye’s Culture and Tourism Ministry indicated that it is considering legal action against Spotify over content that officials describe as contrary to the country’s moral and cultural values.
Deputy Minister Batuhan Mumcu said that despite repeated warnings, Spotify had not removed certain material deemed offensive to religious figures and government officials.
He stated that content undermining national unity and societal values had been identified on the platform.
“I want to state that I will personally follow the process and that every necessary step will be taken to ensure that no violation goes unpunished,” Mumcu said in a written statement.
In a follow-up statement, Birol Kule, chairman of Türkiye’s Competition Authority, emphasized that the investigation into Spotify is not only about economics but also cultural preservation.
“Our goal is to ensure fair competition in the music industry, equal conditions for content creators, and the protection of cultural diversity in the digital space,” Kule said in a social media post.
He stressed that as digitalization accelerates, it is essential for artists to receive fair visibility and compensation. “Competition is not only an economic principle but also a foundation of social justice and equal opportunity,” he added, noting that the agency would continue to monitor the case closely and act with responsibility.
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