Software piracy 'out of control'

Microsoft has uncovered evidence that internet software piracy is spiralling out of control.

The research, published at the annual East Asia Economic Summit, shows that there are more than two million web pages offering either illegal software or links to pirate sites.

Microsoft's report claims the number of offending websites has surged 100 per cent over the past year, and 2,000 per cent in the last three.

It blames the increasing problem on the development of online commerce and broadband connections.

While it once would have taken a pirate three nights on a 56k modem to distribute one program, it now only takes an hour and there is also a system where it is possible to pay the pirate securely, the report said.