Following discussions within the government about possible practices that stifle innovation in the streaming market, the United Kingdom's Competition Markets Authority (CMA) will now probe the music streaming market. The music streaming market comprises several major players such as Spotify as well as Big Tech verticals like Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. The CMA plans to carry out a market study before formally launching the probe, said the regulator in a press release. Over the past decade, the music industry has evolved almost beyond recognition, with streaming now accounting for more than 80% of all music listened to in this country. 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 — Andrea Cosocelli, Chief Executive of the CMA. In a letter to the UK government's Digital Culture Media and Sport Committee (DCMS), the CMA outlined its intended next steps — On October 13, the Board considered initial proposals to carry out a markets project on music streaming. They agreed that work in this area aligned with the CMA’s prioritisation principles, and that it supported a strategic goal of the CMA to foster effective competition in digital markets, ensuring they operate in a way that promotes innovation and the consumer interest. On this basis, the Board agreed that there was merit in taking forward a market study — the CMA said in its letter to the UK government…
