Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into major music streaming platforms over allegations that they accepted undisclosed payments to boost certain songs, artists, or other content.
The probe targets Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music, according to a press release from Paxton’s office.
Paxton’s office said the investigation will examine whether the companies entered into undisclosed financial arrangements with record labels, promoters, or third parties to boost visibility, playlist placement, or recommendation rankings in violation of Texas law.
The attorney general described the alleged conduct as a modern version of payola, the practice of accepting compensation in exchange for preferential promotion without proper disclosure.
His office said the practice became notorious in radio and later drew federal restrictions, and that similar concerns now surround digital streaming platforms as they shape what listeners hear.
“Music artists deserve to compete on a level playing field, not one distorted by bribes, and listeners deserve transparency in what they are being recommended,” Paxton said.
“That is why I am investigating these popular streaming platforms. I will ensure that if any big streaming service is accepting bribes to push certain content and deceive users, they will be held accountable to restore fairness and integrity in the music industry,” he added.
As part of the investigation, Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands to the companies.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Paxton has recently pursued other actions involving alleged hidden financial incentives and consumer deception, including an investigation into vaccine incentive payments to doctors and insurers and scrutiny of YouTube TV over the removal of Univision from its base streaming package.
