Sen Franken to Top Federal Agencies: Look into Potential Anticompetitive Practices by Apple in Music Streaming Market

US Sen Al Franken (D-MN) asked two of the nation's top federal agencies to look into whether Apple is engaging in anticompetitive behavior in the music streaming market. In a letter to the heads of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Sen Franken expressed concern that some of Apple's business practices in the digital music market have the potential to limit choices and raise prices for American consumers. He said that the recent launch of Apple Music, a new music steaming service, has brought to light a number of restrictions that competitors face when operating on Apple devices like iPhones or iPads.

"Increased competition in the music streaming market should mean that consumers will ultimately benefit through more choices of better products and at lower prices," wrote Sen. Franken. "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. To protect consumer choice and promote greater transparency of pricing, I ask that you review Apple's business practices with respect to its competitors in the music streaming market."