5. Free Music Streaming Is Dead
With artists like Frank Ocean releasing their music directly to paid streaming platforms, it’s clear that the only way to listen to new albums is by shelling out cash for a subscription fee. That’s a trend that’s never going to end, and next year we’ll see more major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google/YouTube acquiring free ad-based streaming platforms like indie fave, Soundcloud and Spotify. Regardless of the industry backlash, the revenue for streaming is said to reach $1 billion by 2017. It’s also likely that Jay Z will sell Tidal to the highest bidder thirsty for Prince’s entire discography and live streaming concerts and content from the likes of Nicki Minaj and Beyonce.
4. Ransomware Goes Viral
Hacking gets even more intense in 2017 with cyber criminals turning to ransomware in order to rack in your cash. Here’s how it will work: hackers will access data through fake websites and apps, and then do a deep dive investigation into their victims digging for embarrassing secret personal information. After getting their hands on digital information the hackers will force people to pay up… or they leak the info. Ransomeware may not be a threat to people who live very open and transparent lives, but there’s always the chance these hackers can insert fake information that will force innocent people to cough up bitcoins, and profit from illegally sharing locations, private photos and more. Scary.
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