Attorneys from Universal Music Group have responded to an investigation that the label colluded with other leading music companies to push out free, ad-supported tiers from streaming services. In a letter responding to a subpoena, UMG denied having any agreements with Sony Music, Warner Music Group, or Apple to “impede the availability of third-party free or ad-supported music streaming services.”
This investigation is being speadheaded by the Attorney Generals of New York and Connecticut. However, it is not the only probe into Apple and potentially anti-competitive behavior. The tech company also attracted the scrutiny of the European Commission, which looked into whether Apple could influence labels to withdraw from freemium negotiations.