Data concerns have caused European regulators to investigate Apple’s potential acquisition of Shazam, The New York Times reports. The European Commission released a statement on the merger, stating Apple could gather data from the song-identification app on streaming services, such as Spotify, giving the tech company the ability to “directly target its competitors’ customers and encourage them to switch” to its own streaming service. “Our investigation aims to ensure that music fans will continue to enjoy attractive music streaming offers and won’t face less choice as a result of this proposed merger,” European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. The EC will have to either approve or block the deal by Sept. 4. (Registration may be required to access this story.)
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