05.07.2025 21:32
The popular music platform Spotify has come into the spotlight following the initiation of an investigation by the Competition Authority. In a live broadcast on tv100, lawyer Kadriye Güçlü Sakarya and IT expert Professor Dr. Ali Murat Kınık evaluated the platform's practices. Sakarya stated, "We see that lists and playlists containing titles that insult our Prophet have been created on the platform."
Lawyer Kadriye Güçlü Sakarya, who made evaluations to tv100 regarding the investigation initiated by the Competition Authority into Spotify, stated, "We see that lists created with titles containing insults to our Prophet are being formed on the platform, as well as playlists related to the subject."
The Competition Authority has initiated an investigation into the world-famous music platform Spotify. Following the Competition Authority's move, Spotify has come to the forefront of the agenda.
In addition, an investigation was launched against Spotify for allegedly trying to shape the music market, highlighting certain artists, and manipulating algorithms. Inspections were carried out by ministry officials at the company's Turkey office, and detailed examinations are ongoing.
LAWYER KADRİYE GÜÇLÜ SAKARYA: THERE ARE 2 IMPORTANT ISSUES IN THE INVESTIGATION Lawyer Kadriye Güçlü Sakarya and IT Expert Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık made important evaluations on tv100 regarding this issue on Turkey's agenda.
Lawyer Kadriye Güçlü stated regarding the investigation initiated against Spotify, "Spotify is a music listening platform. Here, some music lists can be created, such as the favorites of artist X, or this or that song. There are 2 issues that are the subject of the mentioned investigation. The first is whether there is an environment that constitutes a violation of competition, which is also the subject of the Competition Authority's investigation, where one is highlighted more than the other. The other issue concerns the crime of insulting the public's religious values. We see that lists created with titles containing insults to our Prophet are being formed on this platform."
"RELIGIOUS SENSITIVITIES ARE IGNORED ON THE PLATFORM" According to our constitution, we have a concept of freedom, which is true and has also been protected. But your freedom ends the moment it touches someone else's sacred values. Hz. Muhammad is the prophet of a society where 99% of the population is Muslim.
For example, the most commonly used name in our society is Mehmet. The reason for this is that it is a shortened form of the name Muhammed. This Turkish name has emerged from the respect felt for Hz. Muhammad's name. As a society that has accepted Islam for centuries, in a situation where we name our children with such sensitivity, the playlists created in a mocking manner on a music platform turn the society into one of hatred, anger, and resentment.
"THE DURATION OF THE PENALTY THAT CAN BE IMPOSED SHOULD BE REVIEWED AND INCREASED" The crime regulated in the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) foresees a penalty of 6 months to 1 year. For example, the maximum penalty for the person who made the Leman cartoon will be 1 year. In this environment where social media is constantly on the rise, I believe that these articles in the law need to be revised again. I think we need to protect our sensitivities on this issue and not allow such actions. There is no restriction on any freedom here. The public should also logically understand that they should not be subjected to such insults. There are sacred values in this country. Everyone must know their position against these sacred values. Otherwise, they will be forcibly stopped by laws and regulations." she said.
"THE SOCIAL MEDIA LAW FROM 5 YEARS AGO SHOULD BE REVISED" Kadriye Güçlü Sakarya emphasized that the relevant articles of Turkish law and regulations regarding the supervision of such platforms should be reviewed again and strict supervision should be applied, stating, "I also think that our current laws are not sufficient. We cannot currently predict how much social media platforms will rise in the near future. We need to review our 5-year-old law again. The conditions then and the current conditions have changed. If necessary, I believe that special laws should also be regulated along with social media. While doing this, it is not just about the lawmakers coming together, but also academics and those working in social media should come together to create an applicable law. Ultimately, all these platforms are subject to Turkish law and regulations. An investigation will be conducted by the Competition Authority. Since Spotify is not a Turkish company, the tax-related aspects of how this is carried out will also be examined in detail." she stated.
ALI MURAT KIRIK: THERE IS NO AUTOMATIC MONITORING SYSTEM ON THE PLATFORM IT Expert Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık noted the following regarding the issue:
"In music platforms like Spotify, the majority of the lists are created by users. These platforms allow users to add podcasts, playlists, and songs with such flexibility.
Here, users choose their favorite songs. For example, I am creating a music list. I am gathering 90's songs. I am creating a list called 'Songs Loved by Ali Murat Kırık.' However, a situation comes into play here. Users have the right to name the music lists as they wish. Since there is no automatic monitoring system on the platform, lists with titles against national and religious values are also created.
"A SERIOUS AND FAST STRUCTURE MUST BE ESTABLISHED BY BTK" There is a freedom for users, that is true. However, we need to discuss how to balance freedom and respect for social values. I always have a suggestion regarding this. A very serious and fast structure needs to be established by the BTK regarding these issues.
Such incidents can also arise in different places in different forms. Playlist names, cartoons in Leman, etc. These contents that we frequently encounter are trying to divide and polarize society.
"THE SOCIAL MEDIA LAW FROM 2020 SHOULD BE CHANGED" The social media law from 2020 also needs to be changed. There are no serious sanctions regarding digital media. Platforms with daily access exceeding 1 million were required to have a representative in Turkey. It has been 5 years.
Artificial intelligence and smart systems have also come into play. If you only call them social media companies, they will be left out.```html
All series, movies, and digital platforms need to be monitored. Additionally, the figure of 1 million needs to be reduced, as there may be false declarations.
"A SPECIAL TEAM SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR SPOTIFY IN TURKEY" Moreover, it is extremely important to make AI-supported content moderation systems mandatory. Content that insults religious values or the Turkish flag must be removed from broadcast immediately, and a special team for Turkey needs to be established. It is crucial to create a moderation team that understands Turkey's sensitivities and operates within our local laws for Spotify's Turkey branch. If they are truly sensitive to what they say, they should take these suggestions into account and work in collaboration with the BTK and the Ministry of Culture to quickly evaluate user complaints and achieve results.
"ALGORITHMIC BRIBERY" IS IN OPERATION! There is a system that has been discussed not only in Turkey but also worldwide, where the platform collaborates with certain record companies to promote specific artists. There is an application called Discovery Mode. The artist agrees to receive a smaller share of the royalties, and Spotify promotes their songs more prominently. For some, this means 'algorithmic bribery.' Therefore, if you want your song to be heard more, it implies using a system that suggests giving up royalties.
There is a serious problem regarding both royalties and moderation on these platforms. As someone who has been dealing with these issues for years, I can see the problems that arise. Let's evaluate and share these issues in advance so that they can be resolved.
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