Apple Music was launched not too long ago and while we doubt it has become the biggest music streaming platform (that title still belongs to Spotify for now), its popularity is no doubt catching the eye of regulators. In fact recently the Consumer Watchdog has issued a letter to the US FTC and DoJ, asking them to put restrictions on Apple, citing antitrust concerns.According to the group, they liken Apple Music to the e-books case in which Apple reportedly consorted with publishers to set prices, apparently abusing their power and reach in the process. “At issue, in fact, is the proprietary information that Apple possesses about its subscribers’ credit cards and musical preferences, which it is leveraging over music labels in an attempt to rub out free (commercial sponsored) music platforms. In this regard, Apple is utilizing its market power in much the way the company did in setting e-book prices.”
In fact the group’s concern isn’t new. Previously we have seen the attorney generals from New York and Connecticut launch investigations of their own, followed by the FTC, and it seems that over in Europe, the EU are apparently looking into Apple Music as well. So far there has not been any reports of wrongdoing or antitrust violations.
However given the size of Apple and their ambitions, it is easy to see why some might be concerned that this could lead to another abuse of their power. In any case like we said, so far everything seems to be in order, but that could change down the road so do check back with us at a later date for more updates.
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