Free iTunes download stirs controversy

Henry McKeand
Staff Writer

If you, like millions of other Americans, own an iPhone, then you may have the new album by popular Irish rock band U2 entitled Songs of Innocence.  On September 9, 2014, the band’s first new album in five years was put onto any iPhone that had the automatic downloads feature turned on.  While people usually react positively to getting free music, many people were upset by the fact that the album was uploaded to their phone without their consent.  It has sparked debate about privacy and security in the digital age, and has been a major point of controversy. 

U2, in an effort to promote their new record, signed a deal with Apple that made it so everyone would receive the album for free until it is released in stores.   It is gaining them attention and in an age when many bands are suffering from a huge decrease in record sales, groups are being forced to come up with new ways to put their music out and make money.  After all, U2 makes most of their money from touring, and since the release of the new album their back catalog has received a major increase in sales.  Plus, the album will be available for people to buy on October 13. 

However, the album has received less press than the simple fact that something was put on so many devices without their owner’s knowledge.  While it was only music, some are worried about what else could be put onto their phones.  This album, coupled with the iCloud leaked pictures scandal, has people worried about the security of their electronic devices more than ever. 

If you don’t want the album on your phone, Apple has released a way for you to delete it from your account.  By going onto https://itunes.com/soi-remove, you can sign in with your Apple account and then click Remove Album and confirm that you would like the record to be taken off of your phone.