EU PROBES APPLE, SHAZAM DEAL

The European Union has waved a red flag over Apple’s takeover of Shazam, questioning whether “competing music streaming services could be put at a competitive disadvantage” if the merger is approved.

The EU is investigating whether Apple will get access to other services’ user data and whether Apple will be in a position to only recommend its music services to Shazam users. The antitrust regulators have given themselves a 9/4 deadline to finish their probe.

"Access to such data could allow Apple to directly target its competitors’ customers and encourage them to switch to Apple Music," the EU wrote in a press release.

Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Our investigation aims to ensure that music fans will continue to enjoy attractive music streaming offers and won't face less choice as a result of this proposed merger."

Apple is reportedly paying $400m for Shazam and EU commissioners have become increasingly concerned about how tech companies mine data. Stay tuned.