Illegal music downloads hit record levels in UK

Written by Phil Cogar

August 1, 2007 | 12:54

Tags: #digital #download #downloads #illegal #ipod #legal #levels #music #record #survey #torrent #zune

Companies: #uk

Entertainment Media Research has just released the results of its 2007 Digital Music Survey and the gathered information is surprising.

From a sample of more then 1,700 people, an astounding 43 percent of all respondents had downloaded unauthorised content while 58 percent had purchased at least one legal download. These numbers are up from their respective 2006 figures of 36 percent and 50 percent.

The top reason given by 91 percent of all illegal music downloaders (like this wasn't obvious) was ”It's free.”

Ownership of personal music players, such as Apple's iPod and Microsoft's Zune, is up to a whopping 77 percent this year compared to 57 percent last year and 37 percent in 2005.

Pirated music downloads increased throughout all age demographics with the 45+ age group responding with 24 percent saying that they had downloaded music illegally.

With people becoming less concerned about being caught and facing legal actions (33 percent this year compared to 40 percent last year), it seems that this will be an ever increasing trend amongst everyone unless the record industry listens more to the consumers and gives a better value per pound spent.

Have your downloads from P2P clients increased this year or do you stay away from doing such activities? Would you be more willing to purchase music downloads it there was lower pricing? Let us know in the forums or in the comments section below.
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