The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is planning to launch a probe into the UK music streaming industry.

Following a discussion by the authority’s board, the organisation said it will now carry out work to consider and develop the final scope of a market study, before formally launching it as soon as possible.

The UK watchdog has written to the government and the Digital, Culture, Media and Sports Committee to outline its next steps.

“Over the past decade, the music industry has evolved almost beyond recognition, with streaming now accounting for more than 80 per cent of all music listened to in this country,” said Andrea Coscelli, chief executive, CMA. “A market study will help us to understand these radical changes and build a view as to whether competition in this sector is working well or whether further action needs to be taken.”

The CMA has a number of ongoing probes into digital markets, including an investigation into Google’s privacy sandbox, Facebook’s use of ad data, and Apple’s AppStore.

In April, the organisation launched the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) which is operating in shadow form pending legislation that will provide it with its full powers.

Separately to the proposed market study, an independent CMA panel is investigating Sony’s completed acquisition of ‘artist and label’ services provider AWAL.

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