EU Finds No Evidence That Apple Conspired With Record Labels to End Freemium Music

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According to a new report from Reuters, the European Commission has failed to find evidence that Apple conspired with record labels to put a stop to free music streaming services.

The commission spoke with multiple digital music services and record labels, but was not able to find any evidence or illegal activity, putting an end to the probe. Investigators’ files will remain open as Spotify continues with licensing talks with major labels.

European regulators began scrutinizing Apple’s discussions with record labels in April, over concerns that Apple would use its influence to persuade music companies to put an end to free ad-supported music services such as Spotify. Unlike Spotify, Apple Music does not offer a free listening tier.

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Rumours later suggested that Apple was indeed leveraging is power in the music industry to push record labels to stop offering licensing options for freemium music tier. This lead to investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, which are still ongoing.

The report’s sources say that the European Commission has found no evidence of collusion between Apple and record labels, however, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission may find otherwise.

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