Google’s role in the recent campaign against the proposed SOPA anti-piracy legislation in the US came in for a sustained attack by U2?s manager Paul McGuinness this morning, at the Midem conference in Cannes. “Why are they not trying to solve the future in a more generous way?” he asked.

“Ultimately it is in their interests that the flow of content will continue. And that won’t happen unless it’s paid for. And I don’t think we can rely on politicians who ...