Detailed analysis of methods and attitudes of illegal music downloading and copyright infringement
Gruk, Oleksandr (2012)
Gruk, Oleksandr
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201201221541
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201201221541
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this research project is to investigate the effects of music downloading from
unlicensed sources, by measuring attitudes towards illegal downloading and copyright
infringement and analyzing the most popular ways of acquiring music and MP3s over the
internet.
Research Methodology: The sample design was targeted mainly towards Generation Y
(Individuals from around the globe used for the sample). Based on the sampling frame, 300
respondents filled out an online survey and 50 interviews have been populated. The data
from these questionnaires was collected, analysed and further categorised as quantitative
and qualitative research.
The major quantitative research findings were:
• The respondents use multiple outlets to download music.
• 50% of the respondents considered downloading from the unlicensed sources illegal,
however still partake in illegal music downloading.
• 50% of the respondents considered that nothing should happen to individuals who
download music illegally.
• 32% of respondents said they were willing to pay for their music downloads in order
to support their favourite singer (artist).
• People who buy CDs are 90,3% driven by price and only 9% by other factors.
• While, 57% of attitudes of people who download music are driven by factors other
than price. Factors like: convenience, fast and easy access, no need having physical
Abstract
data storage devises and others.
The major qualitative research findings were:
• 57% of individuals did not know the legal implications associated with music filesharing,
nor did they care about the effects that it has on the recording industry.
• 60% of respondents say that Apple’s iTunes is not what they expect from a source
for legal music downloading.
• 14% of respondents said they share music often, as opposed to the 85% of
individuals who said they download music.
Based on the findings, the researcher has recommended that:
• Because of the consensus that most people are fairly ignorant of copyright laws, it is
important to educate people about the laws and regulations regarding illegal
downloading
• The recording industry should take legal action against the developers behind the
websites and software that host illegal file sharing.
• By developing a monthly streaming service for a flat fee, consumers have the chance
to purchase legitimate music at a low price without the threat of breaking any laws.
To conclude, the researcher acknowledges that the recording industry is in a transitional
phase in which the industry is trying to embrace the file-sharing revolution. Developing
better programs that suit consumer needs will help the industry become more profitable,
while creating customer relationship management and giving consumers the chance to listen
to music without violating laws.
It is up to the industry to educate individuals on the effects that illegal downloading has on
the recording industry and to reinforce that it is a crime to upload/download music from
unlicensed sources. Although this research report has investigated attitudes and methods of
downloading, there is still much to be researched and analysed to help the recording
industry to thrive.
unlicensed sources, by measuring attitudes towards illegal downloading and copyright
infringement and analyzing the most popular ways of acquiring music and MP3s over the
internet.
Research Methodology: The sample design was targeted mainly towards Generation Y
(Individuals from around the globe used for the sample). Based on the sampling frame, 300
respondents filled out an online survey and 50 interviews have been populated. The data
from these questionnaires was collected, analysed and further categorised as quantitative
and qualitative research.
The major quantitative research findings were:
• The respondents use multiple outlets to download music.
• 50% of the respondents considered downloading from the unlicensed sources illegal,
however still partake in illegal music downloading.
• 50% of the respondents considered that nothing should happen to individuals who
download music illegally.
• 32% of respondents said they were willing to pay for their music downloads in order
to support their favourite singer (artist).
• People who buy CDs are 90,3% driven by price and only 9% by other factors.
• While, 57% of attitudes of people who download music are driven by factors other
than price. Factors like: convenience, fast and easy access, no need having physical
Abstract
data storage devises and others.
The major qualitative research findings were:
• 57% of individuals did not know the legal implications associated with music filesharing,
nor did they care about the effects that it has on the recording industry.
• 60% of respondents say that Apple’s iTunes is not what they expect from a source
for legal music downloading.
• 14% of respondents said they share music often, as opposed to the 85% of
individuals who said they download music.
Based on the findings, the researcher has recommended that:
• Because of the consensus that most people are fairly ignorant of copyright laws, it is
important to educate people about the laws and regulations regarding illegal
downloading
• The recording industry should take legal action against the developers behind the
websites and software that host illegal file sharing.
• By developing a monthly streaming service for a flat fee, consumers have the chance
to purchase legitimate music at a low price without the threat of breaking any laws.
To conclude, the researcher acknowledges that the recording industry is in a transitional
phase in which the industry is trying to embrace the file-sharing revolution. Developing
better programs that suit consumer needs will help the industry become more profitable,
while creating customer relationship management and giving consumers the chance to listen
to music without violating laws.
It is up to the industry to educate individuals on the effects that illegal downloading has on
the recording industry and to reinforce that it is a crime to upload/download music from
unlicensed sources. Although this research report has investigated attitudes and methods of
downloading, there is still much to be researched and analysed to help the recording
industry to thrive.