Spotify faces bribery allegations and regulatory probe in Turkey

Several Turkish musicians, including Aydilge, Ferhat Göçer and Oğuzhan Koç, have questioned how playlists are compiled, claiming that certain artists receive preferential exposure in exchange for bribes. They have also called for greater transparency over the curation process. Additional claims suggest that artificial “bot” uploads are influencing chart positions in the country.

Spotify has launched an internal investigation into its editorial team in Turkey to determine whether playlist curation has been influenced by payments or favouritism. The inquiry is examining whether independent artists face discrimination, whether royalties are distributed unfairly, and whether the company has abused its market position to limit competition.

On 4 July, the Turkish Competition Authority (RK) opened a formal investigation into Spotify’s market practices. The regulator is looking into allegations of bribery, royalty manipulation and unfair advantages given to certain artists or labels, as well as possible anti-competitive behaviour.

Deputy Culture and Tourism Minister Batuhan Mumcu has also criticised the company for not removing some user-generated playlists, which he described as “incompatible with the cultural and moral values of our nation.” He said: “Spotify persistently refuses to take the necessary steps despite all our previous warnings. Content that targets our religious and national values and insults the beliefs of our society has not been corrected.”

Spotify said it is cooperating with the investigation and intends to work with the regulator towards a resolution. “We are cooperating with the investigation, are actively seeking to understand it, and will work toward a swift, constructive resolution with the Turkish Competition Authority,” a spokesperson said. The company maintains that “all our operations comply with legal requirements.”

Spotify representatives have told media outlets that the company is considering suspending or withdrawing its service from Turkey. Since launching in the country in 2013, the platform says it has paid more than TL2 billion ($49.7m) to the local industry in 2024. Turkish music now accounts for 65% of streams in the country, with nearly 90% of Top 50 charting songs in 2024 coming from domestic acts.

A withdrawal could reduce global exposure and earnings for Turkish artists, in a market that nearly doubled its recorded music revenue in 2024 to $87.8m.