Digital Store Monopolies Leave Artists with Unreliable Platforms and No Ownership Guarantees

Summary

Independent artists selling digital goods are trapped by a handful of platform monopolies that control pricing, availability, and longevity. These platforms can delist or remove content at will, change terms retroactively, and leave artists with no real ownership or control over their digital products. Buyers also lose access when platforms shut down, further eroding trust and sales. There is no competitive alternative or consumer protection, making it impossible for artists to ensure their work is preserved and accessible, and forcing them to accept unfavorable conditions. This unsolved problem causes uncertainty, financial loss, and a lack of agency over one's own creative output.