While 61% of users of illegal download services told researchers
for policy think tank Demos that the threat of internet access
suspension would stop them downloading, 64% said that the
availability of cheap legal alternatives would stop them.
The survey found that people who do not engage in illegal
downloading, though, do so because of the potential legal
consequences. Those who said they did not engage in illegal
file-sharing said that legal issues were the main reason they
refrained, ahead of worries about computer security or moral
concerns.
The survey of 1,008 internet users aged between 16 and 50 was
carried out for Demos to uncover attitudes to music acquisition and
piracy.
It found that the 9% of users who admitted participating in
illegal file-sharing spent significantly more on music that the
average surveyed internet user. Eight out of 10 illegal
file-sharers paid for music and the average spend was £77 a year,
compared with an average of £44 per year spent by people who do not
illegally download.
The Government has proposed allowing internet connections used
by people accused of file sharing to be cut off without going
through the courts. The controversial plan was a late addition to
the Government's Digital Britain consultation. The Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) inserted it into the
consultation after the Digital Britain report itself had failed to
recommend it.
Demos said that the research undermines claims that the cutting
off of connections used by alleged file-sharers will stop the
activity.
"The latest approach from the government will not help to prop
up an ailing music industry," said Peter Bradwell, a Demos
researcher. "Politicians and music companies need to recognise that
the nature of music consumption has changed and consumers are
demanding lower prices and easier access to music.”
The research was carried out by polling firm Ipsos MediaCT for
Demos and was sponsored by ISP Virgin Media.
Last week a major ISP threatened a legal challenge to the
Government's plan. Talk Talk said that if it was ordered to
disconnect a household because of a member's alleged activity
without any court oversight it would go to the courts.
"Talk Talk will continue to resist any attempts to make it
impose technical measures on its customers unless directed to do so
by a court or recognised tribunal," it said in a statement. "In the
event we are instructed to impose extra judicial technical measures
we will challenge the instruction in the courts."
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