The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the United Kingdom announced on Tuesday that it will investigate the music streaming market in order to increase competition in digital markets.
Before formally launching the market study, the British anti-trust regulator will conduct work to consider and develop its final scope.
The CMA said in a statement that it has written to the government and the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee to outline its next steps.
“The UK has a love affair with music and is home to many of the world’s most popular artists. We want to do everything we can to ensure that this sector is competitive, thriving and works in the interests of music lovers,” the UK watchdog said in a statement.
In terms of music streaming, European Union regulators are a step ahead of their counterparts in the United Kingdom; in April, the Competition Commission charged Apple with an antitrust violation related to competition in the music streaming services market.
In terms of music streaming, the European Commission issued a formal’statement of objections’ against Apple in April, claiming that Apple’s app store rules distort competition in the market for music streaming services.
Spotify, the Swedish music streaming company, has long complained that Apple’s terms and conditions are ‘unfair.’
According to the British watchdog, the music industry has evolved almost beyond recognition over the last decade, with streaming now accounting for more than 80% of all music listened to in the UK.
“A market study will help us to understand these radical changes and build a view as to whether competition in this sector is working well or whether further action needs to be taken,” said Andrea Coscelli, CEO of CMA.