Britons Confused By Legality Of Downloads, Finds Report

"If all who undertake unauthorised downloading, uploading and sharing were prosecuted, up to seven million Britons would have a criminal record. If all content online was instead 'free' and downloading was de-criminalized could new business models such as sponsorship, advertising and the bundling of access with content pay for the variety, depth and quality of the content we current enjoy?" ask the authors. "And, if the culture of online behaviour does require IP laws to change just for specific industries, could such laws operate also in the physical realm?"

The authors do not attempt to answer these questions.

They acknowledge that "it has never, ever been easier to break the law"; and they note that, "online there are no 'shoplifters will be prosecuted' signs, or government health warnings" but they stop short of saying that there should be.

The report concludes by recommending further research.

Minister of State for Intellectual Property David Lammy said, "As SABIP's report shows, illegal downloading robs our economy of millions of pounds every year and seriously damages business and innovation throughout the UK. It is something that needs tackling, and we are serious about doing so."

"However, it is also an international problem that needs an international solution through countries working together," said Lammy. "We can't expect 12 year olds to become copyright lawyers before they can switch on a computer, but we can educate people on enforcement and work towards getting the right people caught and punished-wherever they live."