A hacker stole unreleased music by Coldplay and Bebe Rexha, raising concerns about privacy and the sanctity of artistic creations. The case highlights the growing threat to digital security in the creative industry.
In a case that underscores the fragility of digital privacy and the sanctity of creative work, a 22-year-old hacker, Skylar Dalziel, exploited online vulnerabilities to access unreleased tracks from renowned artists such as Coldplay, Shawn Mendes and Bebe Rexha. The thefts began in 2021 when Dalziel hacked into cloud storage accounts linked to these artists and sold over 40 unreleased tracks on the dark web, amassing over £42,000.
Operating out of her home in Luton, Dalziel's actions disrupted the lives and careers of countless artists and their teams. Prosecutor Richard Partridge highlighted the harm caused by these crimes, stating, “She selfishly used their music to make money for herself, disregarding the hard work behind these creations.”
The breakthrough in the investigation came when Sony Music Entertainment discovered a compromised account linked to artist Upsahl. This was reported to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), and with the help of the Recording Industry Association of America, investigators traced the activities to Dalziel. Police arrested her in early 2023, uncovering a cache of nearly 292,000 music files and evidence of transactions through PayPal and bank accounts.
Despite her guilty plea to multiple copyright and property offenses, Dalziel's sentence of 21 months was suspended for two years, alongside 180 hours of unpaid work. Detective Constable Daryl Fryatt emphasized the broader message of this case, “Stealing copyrighted material for financial gain jeopardizes the livelihoods of artists and those behind the scenes. It’s illegal, and offenders will be held accountable.”
This case is a wake-up call about the vulnerability of artistic creations in the digital age. Artists pour their hearts into their work, and safeguarding their creations is essential for preserving the integrity of their art and the industries that support them.
Coldplay’s music is renowned for its emotional depth and their live performances are unforgettable experiences. The band's songs reflect universal human themes of love, hope, loss and life. They connect with the audience on a profound level and their lyrics are combined with catchy melodies that make them memorable. Chris Martin’s vocals add to the overall ambiance, elevating the experience to a universe of powerful vulnerability, which has a strong emotional impact on listeners.
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