This file photo taken on April 19, 2018 shows the logo of online streaming music service Spotify displayed on a tablet screen in Paris. (LIONEL BONAVENTURE / AFP)
LONDON – Britain's competition regulator said on Tuesday it planned to launch an investigation into music streaming to see whether the role played by platforms such as Spotify created a fair deal for consumers.
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has taken an increasingly proactive role in the regulation of digital markets, with investigations already launched into the power wielded by Google, Facebook and Apple in different parts of the digital ecosystem
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has taken an increasingly proactive role in the regulation of digital markets, with investigations already launched into the power wielded by Google, Facebook and Apple in different parts of the digital ecosystem.
It said on Tuesday it would now turn its sights to music streaming which, in Britain, accounts for 80 percent of music consumption and is dominated by the likes of Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and YouTube.
"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," CMA Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said.
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A market study is used to examine a sector and decide if an intervention is needed. Outcomes can include asking the government to change regulations, encouraging businesses to self-regulate, taking action against firms and a full, in-depth investigation.