Illegal file sharing rises despite threats

Illegal downloads of movies and TV content are also on the rise

Recently released figures from research consultancy XTN Data claim that illegal file sharing over the internet continues to grow and that most users are unconcerned by potential legal action.

Two-thirds of people using file sharing software to access music are not concerned by the threat of legal action from record labels, according to the report.

Greig Harper, founder of XTN Data, said: "We estimate there to be 52 million people in the US using file sharing software. In the past two years legal action in the US has seen 3,500 cases resolved."

The survey showed that, although legitimate music download services are rising in popularity, 58 per cent believe them to be too expensive, 41 per cent see them as difficult to use and 43 per cent claim that they do not offer music of interest.

Users who are disappointed with legitimate music download services are more likely to download music illegally, according to the report.

Illegal downloads of movies and TV content are also on the rise. Over a quarter of internet users said that they have used the internet to download DVDs, with those under 30 most likely to do so.

"While the legal music download services have legitimised some of the demand for music content, the lack of comparable services in the movie and TV sector, combined with the increase in faster internet connections, have helped fuel demand for video content," said Harper.

Computer games were also found to be popular downloads, with 11 per cent of poll respondents obtaining games this way.

While PC games are the most commonly sought, demand for console titles is close behind.

Popular downloads include GTA: San Andreas, Rome: Total War and The Sims 2. GTA: San Andreas averaged 75 downloads an hour over the period during which it was monitored.