Spotify Bolsters Government Affairs Team as Regulations Mount

With intensifying regulatory pressures across multiple jurisdictions, music streaming leader Spotify is expanding its government affairs and public policy team. Newly posted positions for a Global Music Policy Director, Latin America Lead, and UK Head signal efforts to increase external advocacy and engagement with lawmakers worldwide.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek continues lobbying for oversight of Apple and Google’s app stores. Proposed legislation like the US Open App Markets Act or UK Digital Markets Act could prohibit anti-competitive practices, curtailing the tech giants’ power. Spotify competes with Apple Music and YouTube Music while forced to pay Apple and Google fees through their storefronts, which Ek calls “insane”. His search for global allies now requires more policy firepower.

In Latin America, a key growth market, Spotify opposes new Uruguayan copyright laws mandating additional streaming royalties for performers. Deeming dual payments unsustainable, Spotify threatens withdrawing from Uruguay entirely, to the detriment of local artists. The new Latin America Lead will coordinate regional policy issues like this proposal. With Brazil an initial focus, the role demands government affairs expertise across the continent’s complex regulatory landscape.

Likewise in the UK, the Head of Government Affairs will target reforms around competition and content moderation while engaging deeply with regulators and parliament. Spotify’s public support for the Digital Markets Act highlights intentions to curb anti-competitive forces through the legislation.

Overall, Spotify’s ramped up government relations reflect a new imperative to shape policy discussions that impact its global business model. As regulations multiply on issues spanning content liability, royalties, privacy, and platform power, Spotify is responding proactively. Success will require translating its market leadership into political influence.

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