Image Courtesy of Matias Corporation
An alarming 2011 report by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) revealed that half of all computer users steal software. Forty-seven percent of the world’s PC users use illegal methods to obtain software most if not all the time. This is a common scenario specifically in developing countries.
Out of the estimated 15,000 computer users surveyed in 32 countries regarding their attitudes and behaviors about intellectual property rights and software piracy, China has the highest number of users who pirate software most of the time. 86% of the country’s PC users totaling to approximately 206 million people typically believe software piracy is commonplace.
Nigeria is second in line with 81%, while Vietnam has 76%, Ukraine, and Malaysia have 69% and 68% respectively completing the top 5 countries with the highest percentage of PC users who acquire illegal software.
The survey revealed South Africa with the lowest rate of software pirates with a 20% score. Only 5% of the country’s PC users fall under the “always illegal” category while 16% acquire “mostly illegal” software. Germany, France, Canada and India follow South Africa with the lowest pirate prevalence rates all under 30%.
Software pirates’ regular practices include peer-to-peer network downloads and the purchasing of single program license for multiple computer installations. However, these users still express support for intellectual property principles. The study reveals that a large number of PC users are uneducated about software licensing principles and in turn have poor practices. In 2010 alone the revenue losses from software piracy have reached $59 billion.
BSA’s report also showed that behaviors and attitudes regarding software piracy are not limited to PC users but also to business decision-makers. The Asia Pacific is home to five of the top ten countries with the highest piracy rates for business decision makers, including the Philippines.
BSA revealed that the Philippines software piracy rate of 69% has been consistent for four consecutive years. Analysts suggest that fostering an educated public tied with stern implementation of Intellectual Property laws can change PC users’ behavior. According to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, decreasing people’s dependability on illegal software will help against the fight of piracy.
