Turkish Competition Authority Launches Antitrust Investigation into Spotify – Latest 25 Sept 2025 News

Turkish Competition Authority Opens Antitrust Probe into Spotify – 25 September 2025

Istanbul, September 25 2025 — Turkey’s Competition Authority announced that it has launched a formal antitrust investigation into global music-streaming giant Spotify. The probe will examine allegations of unfair market practices and predatory pricing in Turkey’s fast-growing digital-music industry.

According to the regulator’s statement, investigators will assess whether Spotify’s playlist algorithms give “undue preference” to certain artists or record labels, disadvantaging competitors. They will also review claims that the company set subscription prices at levels designed to squeeze out smaller or newer rivals.

Officials emphasized that opening an investigation does not imply guilt. Instead, the inquiry reflects the seriousness of the accusations and the potential impact on market competition and consumer choice.

Spotify, which entered the Turkish market in 2013, remains the country’s largest music-streaming platform. The company has said it paid more than 2 billion Turkish lira in royalties to the Turkish music industry in 2024, underscoring its role in promoting local artists to a global audience.

Industry analysts note that the case carries significance beyond Turkey. Regulators worldwide are scrutinizing how big streaming platforms manage pricing and algorithmic recommendations, and whether those practices limit opportunities for emerging artists and new competitors.

If the Competition Authority ultimately finds Spotify in violation of Turkish competition law, the company could face substantial fines or be required to modify its business model and recommendation systems.

The investigation will allow Spotify to present evidence and a full defense. A final decision could take several months, but observers say the outcome may set an important precedent for how streaming services operate across international markets.