Spotify complies with media watchdog's orders, applies for license to operate in Turkey

Online music streaming giant Spotify launched an application for an operation license in Turkey on Oct. 15, complying with the country's media watchdog. "Four hours before the 72-hour period elapsed, Spotify made an official application to RTÜK for a license," RTÜK council member from main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) İlhan Taşcı said in a tweet.

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Music streaming giant Spotify initiated an application to obtain an operating license in Turkey on Oct. 15 in line with the country's media watchdog's orders.

The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) released a statement on Oct. 12, giving Spotify 72 hours to make the application, adding that it will apply for an access ban if they don't do so.

"Four hours before the 72-hour period elapsed, Spotify made an official application to RTÜK for a license," RTÜK council member from main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) İlhan Taşcı said in a tweet.

Digital platforms are under the authority of RTÜK as part of a regulation that passed on Aug. 1, 2019. Broadcasting corporations can't operate without getting licenses from RTÜK as part of the amendment.

Streaming platforms, such as Netflix, BluTV and Puhutv are also under the watchdog's authority.

As part of the regulations, the companies are forced to remove the content found inappropriate by RTÜK.

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Topics Media in Turkey Social media in Turkey RTÜK media watchdog social media regulation social media bill social media Turkey censorship in Turkey