Illegal file-sharing down in UK

Illegal file-sharing is down in the UK, according to a nationwide survey.

Research by Music Ally and partner organisation The Leading Question found that more people, especially youngsters, were turning to music streaming services such as Spotify instead.

In January 2009, only 17 per cent of people were regularly sharing music illegally online, compared to 22 per cent in December 2007.

For 14- to 18-year-olds, the January 2009 figure was 26 per cent, down from 42 per cent in December 2007.

Teens are also the most voracious consumers of streamed music, with 31 per cent listening to streaming services on their computer every day, compared to the overall figure of 18 per cent.

Music Ally chief executive Paul Brindley said: "Kids find services like YouTube much more convenient for checking out new music than file-sharing. But even YouTube can become a source of piracy with some kids ripping YouTube videos and turning them into free MP3 downloads."

Tim Walker, chief executive of The Leading Question said: "Ultimately we believe that the best way to beat piracy is to create great new licensed services that are easier and more fun to use."