Apple Music Investigated By NY’s AG

It looks like Apple Music is not quite out of the woods just yet, as they have already been scrutinized by a consumer watchdog group, and now, a formal investigation has been opened by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The New York Post reports that the Attorney General’s office has already issued subpoenas, where a particular source stated that the office is “asking for documents relating to potential efforts by Apple to exclude or suppress competition in the music streaming industry.”

Apparently, when Apple was busy negotiating with record labels, artists and producers before rolling out its streaming music service, whispers on the grapevine point to Apple making a request to these parties to pressure Spotify into ceasing the offer of its free, ad-supported tier of service. While Apple has no plans to offer such a service, there is a provision for users to enjoy a one-time three month free trial.

Yet another rumor point to Apple making promises to reimburse Universal for royalties that it would lose out on should it stop providing music to YouTube. Schneiderman’s office is currently in talks with Apple’s rivals in the music streaming industry, citing, “It’s important to ensure that the market continues to develop free from collusion and other anticompetitive practices.” We wonder how all of this will turn out in the end.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Apple
Tags: Apple Music