State attorneys general investigating Apple Music deals

State attorneys general in New York and Connecticut confirmed they are investigating deals between music labels and streaming music platforms, including Apple Music, for antitrust activities.

A law firm representing Universal Music Group said it has not collaborated with other major labels or Apple to hinder the availability of free or ad-supported music streaming. Matt Mittenthal, a spokesman for New York’s Attorney General said the letter from Universal Music Group is part of an ongoing investigation and said the music streaming business is “an industry in which competition has recently led to new and different ways for consumers to listen to music. To preserve these benefits, it’s important to ensure that the market continues to develop free from collusion and other anticompetitive practices.”