Recently released data from research consultancy XTN Data shows that
file sharing over the internet continues to grow and that most users are
unconcerned by potential legal action.
Two thirds of people using file sharing software to access music were
not concerned by legal action by record labels. Greig Harper, founder of
XTN Data commented, “We estimate there to be 52 million people in the US
using file sharing software. In the past two years legal action in the
US has seen 3,500 cases resolved.”
The survey results show that legitimate music download services are
rising in popularity but 58% thought they were expensive, 41% thought
they were difficult to use and 43% said they didn’t offer music they
were interested in. Users who were disappointed with legitimate music
download services were more likely to illegally download music.
For the first time ever illegal download of movies and TV content
overtook demand for music downloads. 26% of internet users said they
used the internet to download DVDs with those under thirty most likely
to do so. Greig Harper noted, “While the legal music download services
have legitimised some of the demand for music content the lack of
comparable services in the movie and TV sector combined with the
increase in faster internet connections have helped fuel demand for
video content.”
Computer games were also popular downloads with 11% obtaining games this
way. While PC games were most commonly sought, demand for console titles
were close behind. Popular downloads included GTA: San Andreas, Rome
Total War and The Sims 2. GTA averaged 75 downloads an hour over the
period it was monitored.
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