Study: Nearly half of computer users get software illegally

Nearly half of the world's computer users get most of their software illegally, according to a study released Wednesday by trade group Business Software Alliance.

Researchers surveyed 15,000 personal computer users in 32 countries about how they acquire software. They found 47 percent of computer users acquire their software illegally most or all of the time, despite the fact that 71 percent profess support for intellectual property rights. 

In developing countries, the rates are even higher. In China, an important market for software developers, 86 percent of computer users get most of their software illegally. In Nigeria, the figure is 81 percent.

The study found that 34 percent of computer users in the United States acquire their software illegally.

According to the study, a majority of the people who acquire their software illegally mistakenly believe the methods are legal.

“The evidence is clear: The way to lower software piracy is by educating businesses and individuals about what is legal — and ramping up enforcement of intellectual property laws to send clearer deterrent signals to the marketplace,” said Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of the Business Software Alliance.

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