Investigation initiated by Spotify regarding allegations of bribery against editors in Turkey, as reported.
In the heart of Turkey's bustling music scene, streaming giant Spotify finds itself under scrutiny. The Turkish Competition Authority announced in early July that it is probing Spotify over potential anti-competitive behavior in the country's music market [1][2].
The investigation follows a wave of allegations, including claims of bribery, censorship, and unfair playlisting practices. Several musicians have accused Spotify's policies of harming artistic diversity and cultural representation in Turkey [1][2].
Popular singers such as Aydilge, Ferhat Goçer, and Oğuzhan Koç have publicly voiced their frustration over a perceived lack of transparency in playlist curation and unfair exclusion or favoritism in Spotify’s playlists [1][2]. Aydilge, for instance, stated that until her latest single 'Yaşayalım Hemen,' none of her songs made it onto the Turkish Pop list, despite having dozens of hits, highlighting the alleged imbalances [1].
Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Batuhan Mumcu has also criticized Spotify for allegedly refusing to remove user-generated playlists containing content deemed incompatible with Turkey’s cultural and moral values, further complicating the platform’s local standing [2].
Spotify, for its part, has not publicly confirmed details but has said it complies with applicable laws and is cooperating with authorities. The company plans to open a local office in Turkey in 2026 to help address issues and improve collaboration with Turkish artists amid ongoing scrutiny [3].
The Turkish Competition Authority's investigation is ongoing, examining whether Spotify hindered competitors, discriminated against certain content creators, and engaged in unfair practices in the distribution of royalties and playlisting [1][3]. It also investigates allegations that some artists receive disproportionate exposure through playlists [1].
The review is looking into allegations of unfair practices in the distribution of royalties by Spotify and whether these potentially violate Turkey’s competition law [1][3]. Spotify has not yet publicly commented on the investigation into its editorial team in Turkey.
This case highlights significant tensions around digital music market fairness, editorial transparency, cultural sensitivities, and regulatory oversight within Turkey’s growing music streaming ecosystem. Spotify remains under pressure to clarify its editorial policies and resolve concerns raised by both artists and regulators [1][2][3][5].
References: [1] "Turkey Investigates Spotify Over Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices" - Reuters, July 2025 [2] "Spotify Under Fire in Turkey Over Alleged Censorship and Bribery Claims" - Billboard, July 2025 [3] "Spotify to Open Local Office in Turkey Amid Ongoing Scrutiny" - Variety, August 2025 [4] "Turkey's Competition Authority Probes Spotify Over Potential Anti-Competitive Behavior" - TechCrunch, July 2025 [5] "The Case of Spotify in Turkey: A Battle for Fairness, Transparency, and Cultural Representation" - Music Business Worldwide, August 2025
- The ongoing investigation by the Turkish Competition Authority into Spotify's practices raises questions about technology's role in ensuring fairness and transparency, particularly in the music streaming industry.
- The scrutiny faced by Spotify in Turkey underscores the need for technology companies to address cultural sensitivities and engage in open dialogue with artists, regulators, and consumers to maintain trust and promote cultural representation.
