![](https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_293731811-1-e1602663563241.jpg)
South Korea’s antitrust regulator is poised to conclude its extensive 16-month investigation into YouTube next month, focusing on potential rule breaches related to bundling its music streaming service with its ad-free premium subscription program.
During a press conference on Friday, Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) Chairman Han Ki-jeong acknowledged industry and consumer concerns regarding YouTube’s bundling practices. “The antitrust agency is well aware that the industry and customers raised concerns over the bundling of YouTube Music with the YouTube Premium subscription,” Han stated.
The KFTC’s investigation aims to determine whether the integration of YouTube’s services has unfairly impeded other music streaming businesses, thus restricting competition within the Korean market. “The KFTC will complete its investigation in July and take strict measures if YouTube is found to have broken laws,” Han added.
The probe began in February last year with an on-site investigation into Google Korea, specifically examining allegations tied to YouTube Music. Despite the prolonged duration of over 16 months, the investigation has yet to reach a conclusion.
Additionally, the KFTC is scrutinizing whether YouTube has exploited its market dominance to secure a larger share of the local music streaming market. Should YouTube be found in violation of South Korean laws, the company could face fines amounting to up to 6 percent of its sales.
Featured News
NFL Found Guilty of Antitrust Violations in ‘Sunday Ticket’ Trial, Must Pay $4.8 Billion
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
StarKist and Former Bumble Bee Foods Owner Settle US Price-Fixing Suit
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Senate Probes Oil Giants for Price-Fixing with OPEC
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Spain to Lodge Anti-Competitive Complaint Against French Rail Operator Ouigo
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Jury Deliberates NFL’s ‘Sunday Ticket’ Class-Action Lawsuit
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Private Equity Roll-Up Schemes
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
The FTC’s Focus on Private Equity is Warranted
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Unraveling the Roll-Up: Private Equity’s Misunderstood Investment Strategy
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Focus on Private Equity Funds and Serial Acquisitions
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Private Equity Roll-Ups Amidst Heightened Antitrust Enforcement
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI