Franken wants probe of Apple’s streaming services
Minnesota DFL U.S. Sen. Al Franken wants two federal agencies to investigate whether Apple’s new music streaming service is violating anti-trust laws.
In a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Federal Trade Commission Chair Edith Ramirez, Franken warned that Apple’s new music service may be harming consumers by limiting competition and driving up prices.
“Increased competition in the music streaming market should mean that consumers will ultimately benefit through more choices of better products and at lower prices,” Franken wrote. “I am concerned, however, that Apple’s position as a dominant platform operator may actually undermine many of the potential consumer benefits of its entry into the market.”
Apple launched its streaming service last month to compete with Pandora and Spotify. But consumer rights groups, including Consumer Watchdog, have have complained that Apple’s size and influence gives it an unfair advantage over rival music services, especially when it comes to reaching deals with musicians.
In his letter, Franken also warned that Apple is taking a 30 percent fee on revenues from in-app purchases on Apple mobile devices or tablets. He said that could put some of Apple’s competitors at a financial disadvantage.
Bloomberg reported in May that the Federal Trade Commission has already been investigating whether Apple’s streaming service would violate antitrust laws.
Here’s Franken’s letter:
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.