Spotify faces Turkish probe over alleged insults to religious beliefs and First Lady

Another day, another investigation in Turkey — this time targeting Spotify, which is under scrutiny for allegedly "insulting societal beliefs" and engaging in anti-competitive behaviour.

The controversy began with what appeared to be a highly coordinated backlash on social media, and has since escalated.

On Friday, Spotify told The Times that it is considering temporarily suspending its services in Turkey or even pulling out of the market entirely.

The Swedish music streaming giant stated that it was "not prepared for its users to be censored" but added that it was "working to co-operate with Turkish authorities."

Company representatives told The Times that all options were being evaluated, including "pausing operations in the market or exiting Turkey altogether."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, left, and his wife Emine gesture to supporters at his party headquarters in Ankara, 1 April, 2024 (Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, left, and his wife Emine gesture to supporters at his party headquarters in Ankara, 1 April, 2024)

Spotify is well known for its user-generated playlists, many of which feature satirical or humorous titles, ranging from celebrity references and fictional characters to political jabs.

However, some playlist titles have sparked political controversy in Turkey.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Batuhan Mumcu accused the platform of "hosting content that targets our religious and national values and insults the beliefs of our society."

He claimed the platform included "insidious and provocative" playlists directed at First Lady Emine Erdoğan.

"The platform's failure to act is incompatible with our nation's cultural and moral values," Mumcu said, arguing that such content undermines social unity.

The playlist titles that caused a stir

One playlist in particular — titled "Songs Emine Erdoğan listens to while cleaning the palace" — triggered outrage among pro-government social media users, often referred to as “AK trolls” (a reference to President Erdoğan’s ruling Justice and Development AK Party).

The campaign to ban Spotify gained traction among conservative voters, with users tagging government officials on X and demanding action.

Screenshots of the controversial playlist titles quickly went viral.

Religious-themed playlists also provoked anger. Two lists — titled "The playlist Prophet Muhammad listened to while escaping the Mushrikites" and "Songs the Prophet listened to in the cave" — also drew heavy criticism in conservative circles.

Spotify currently has more than 12 million monthly active users in Turkey.