Controversial Action: Unwarranted Disregard for Sensitivity and Decency - "Spotify Under Scrutiny by Turkish Authorities Over Controversial Playlists"
In a recent development, the Turkish Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, over concerns of potential anti-competitive practices and hosting playlists deemed offensive to Turkish religious and national values.
The investigation stems from complaints about certain playlists on Spotify that were seen as provocative, including those mocking the Prophet Mohammed and insulting Turkey's First Lady, Emine Erdoğan. Deputy Culture Minister Batuhan Mumcu described these playlists as "insidiously provocative and morally unacceptable," and accused Spotify of ignoring repeated requests to remove such content.
The Turkish Competition Authority is examining whether Spotify’s market behavior violates Turkish competition law. The probe focuses on whether Spotify’s strategies in Turkey have anti-competitive effects in the music sector, such as preferential treatment of certain artists, unfair royalty distribution, and practices that complicate competitors' operations or limit fair market access.
Spotify, available in Turkey since 2013, claims its operations adhere to "all applicable laws." The company has stated that it complies with all applicable laws and is cooperating with the investigation. However, it has not directly addressed the playlist content allegations but highlighted its significant financial contributions to the Turkish music industry, including paying over 2 billion Turkish lira (around $25 million) in 2024.
Mumcu has been monitoring Spotify's content for some time and believes that relevant authorities must take action regarding these controversial playlists. He has attached a video to his post showing the names of Spotify playlists related to Emine Erdogan or the life of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed. These provocative playlists attack Emine Erdogan, the wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The current status of the investigation is that it is officially open by the Turkish Competition Board, with Spotify cooperating but having not yet received comprehensive details about the scope or focus of the probe. The company aims to reach a "constructive solution" with the Turkish Competition Authority.
This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
- In light of the ongoing investigation, Spotify might find it challenging to justify their stance, as their platform continues to host playlists that spark controversy, especially those discussing politics, general news, and social media, including playlists mocking the Prophet Mohammed and Emine Erdoğan.
- As the investigation into Spotify's anti-competitive practices has brought another concern to the forefront, the music streaming giant may struggle to divert attention from their content that insidiously provokes and goes against moral norms, particularlyplaylists about influential figures such as the First Lady of Turkey and Islamic religious figures, in the realms of entertainment, politics, and the social-media sphere.
