Big tech accountability? Read the backstory to today's policy debates here on Iptegrity.

Brian Eno, the British musician who came to fame with the 1970s rock band Roxy Music, has accused the music industry of being 'lazy' in respect of the Internet, and still hanging on to old ways of doing things instead of moving forwards. Speaking on the Today Programme on the BBC's Radio 4, he also said that young musicians understand perfectly how to use Internet-based services to promote their music and are comfortable with doing so.

I put these comments here simply because policy-makers are frequently proffered elderly musicians who plead that the Internet is ruining their careers and reducing their royalties on which they depend for a pension. Those who are getting on with it and adapting their ways, are unheard at a political level - but they are the ones whose voice should be heard.

Mr Eno is a highly-respected music industry insider - and considered by many to be an 'elder' of the rock music industry - who is speaking out. He is also putting his money where his mouth is and releasing his new music on the Internet first - before putting out a CD.

His comments also illustrate how the music industry is divided between those who welcome the Internet and the opportunities it brings, and those who still seek to protect their 20th century business models. It is also important for policy-makers to recognise this division, and seek to create policies that help the industry as a whole to move forward.

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About Iptegrity

Iptegrity.com is the website of Dr Monica Horten.

I am a tech policy specialist, published author, post-doctoral scholar. I hold a PhD from the University of Westminster, and a DipM from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Currently working on UK Online Safety Bill.

Recent media quotes: BBC, iNews, Times, Guardian, Politico.  Panelist: IAPP,  CybersecuritySummit. Parliament and Internet. June 2022-July 2023 w/ Open Rights Group.

Iptegrity.com is made available free of charge for non-commercial use. Please link back and attribute Dr Monica Horten.  Contact me to use any of my content for commercial purposes.  

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