Bono (photo: Jim Rinaldi) |
U2 frontman Bono's latest column for the New York Times is a list of a resolutions for the new decade. In the piece (which can be read here), Bono tackles the topics of pollution, distribution of power and the World Cup. However, he also discusses the issues surrounding illegal file sharing.Bono correctly notes that "The only thing protecting the movie and TV industries from the fate that has befallen music and indeed the newspaper business is the size of the files. The immutable laws of bandwidth tell us we’re just a few years away from being able to download an entire season of 24 in 24 seconds. Many will expect to get it free."
However, he goes on to attribute the blame for illegal file sharing primarily to the ISP, saying that the Internet providers are profiting off the backs of musicians. He writes, "A decade’s worth of music file-sharing and swiping has made clear that the people it hurts are the creators — in this case, the young, fledgling songwriters who can’t live off ticket and T-shirt sales like the least sympathetic among us — and the people this reverse Robin Hooding benefits are rich service providers, whose swollen profits perfectly mirror the lost receipts of the music business."
U2 manager Paul McGuinness has been outspoken in the past about the issue of file sharing, and Bono seems to echo his thoughts in the column. McGuinness told CNet last year that the ISPs "bear a huge responsibility to put things right" and that "ultimately, free is the enemy of good."
CNet notes that the entertainment industry has been attempting to get Internet providers on board to help fight piracy online, by blocking illegal content. Last year the RIAA promised that had agreements in place with ISPs to crack down on illegal file sharing, but so far nothing official has been announced.
CNet warns that Bono could end up as the new Lars Ulrich if he takes a vocal stance about the topic. The Metallica drummer famously ripped into Napster and online file-sharing years ago and became the object of scorn and criticism from music fans.
Bono adds that he believes the ISPs have the ability to track content and concludes, "Note to self: Don’t get over-rewarded rock stars on this bully pulpit, or famous actors; find the next Cole Porter, if he/she hasn’t already left to write jingles."
