Illegal downloading of songs, software and other copyrighted materials from the Internet among US youth ages 8 to 18 has dropped by 24 percent in the last three years, according to a new survey conducted by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), a trade group representing copyright holders.

In 2004, the BSA says than nearly 60% of web users between the age of eight and 18 acknowledged they were illegally downloading music. In 2006 and 2007, the number dropped to 43% and 36%, respectively.

The survey found that in 2007, 30% of youth admitted downloading music without paying, down from 32% in 2006 and 53% in 2004, while 8% admitted downloading a movie without paying, compared to 10% in 2006 and 17% in 2004.

What is causing them to back off from illegal downloading? The top response was fear of downloading viruses (62 percent), followed by legal repercussions (52 percent) and downloading spyware (51 percent). Getting in trouble with their parents ranked fourth.

“This study indicates that parents have a strong influence on how their children will make decisions about appropriate Internet behavior,” said Diane Smiroldo, vice president of public affairs for BSA.

“Fortunately, the survey found that more than half of the students have been warned by their parents about dangerous, illegal online behaviors. Imposing rules and ensuring your children abide by them may be an old- fashioned concept for cyberspace, but it works.”

“But, while decreases in downloading are encouraging over recent years, youth are still taking too many risks online. We hope that parents continue to take seriously their role in helping their children make the right choices online.”

The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of BSA in March, with 1,196 youths.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 at 11:54 pm under Technology.

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