Over a quarter of all software installed on UK PCs is pirated, says the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
According to the BSA-IDC global software piracy study, the worldwide PC software piracy rate rose for the second year in a row, from 38 percent to 41 percent. The UK fell behind France, where 41 percent of all software is pirated, but 'beat' the US, where just 20 percent of all software installed on PCs is pirated.
"With more than one in four software installations categorised as illegal in the UK, we cannot afford to give up the fight against software piracy," said Alyna Cope, spokesperson for the BSA UK country committee.
"Much more needs to be done by the industry and the government to warn businesses and consumers of the risks associated with under-licensed software, from a legal, financial and operational point of view. Software piracy hurts our knowledge-based economy by weakening the very foundation on which it is built - respect for intellectual property and innovation."
Comments
Kevscar said: No it wont thieves are thieves If it selling in the shops for 10 and they can get a pirate copy for 2 or Microsoft Offfice for 30 they willBecause they believe they wont get caught
Portland Pirate said: Frankly with rising costs of software in the UK and EU its an inevitable fact that 1 in 3 applications on any PC are pirated Of course its less in the US because the prices are much lower compared to the UK marketFor example I still dont understand why firms like Adobe keep whining about rising piracy when they sell software packages for 1500 and above How can a starting graphics artist afford such a package thats essential for developing his skillsReduce prices just like the US and the piracy rate will eventually fall downI appreciate Microsoft reducing their office prices 60 for office with 3-licenses thats a bargain in my terms RegardsPortland Whatever