Apple Music investigated by two states for violating antitrust laws

Attorneys general in both New York and Connecticut are investigating Apple Music’s recent deals with music companies, and whether they violate antitrust laws.

The music streaming industry is the subject of a new investigation. Matt Mittenthal, a spokesman for New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, told The New York Times that the state was specifically looking into Apple’s recent negotiations with major record labels.

Under investigation is the question of whether Apple convinced or pressured labels into withdrawing support from freemium models by the likes of Spotify, in favour of Apple’s paid subscriptions. Universal Music Group confirmed earlier this week that it was cooperating with the matter.

These negotiations are also said to have been looked into by The European Commission.