Illegal File Sharing Accounts For Most Of Europe's Digital Music Consumption

by Ulrika Lomas, for LawAndTax-News.com, Brussels

10 June 2005

According to the European Music Consumer Survey 2005 recently conducted by JupiterResearch, illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing accounts for the majority of Europe's digital music consumption.

The research firm found that around 15% of those questioned used unofficial P2P sites to download music for free on at least a monthly basis.

It further revealed that in 2004, Spain had the highest file sharing rate, at 26%, coupled with one of the lowest average annual music spends.

However, 19% of those questioned by Jupiter stated a willingness to pay for digital music via legal downloading services such as iTunes and Napster.

Speaking with regard to the results of the survey, Jupiter's research director, Mark Mulligan told the European media that:

"Despite recent high profile legal cases and efforts from the music industry to make digital music more accessible, illegal music file sharing is still pervasive and firmly established in the European online landscape."

"There are, however, positive signs. Nearly a fifth of European internet users said that they would pay for online music stores or services, showing that there is significant growth potential beyond the current adoption rates."

He concluded:

"Adoption will be driven by increased sales of digital devices, growth in broadband adoption and greater awareness of legitimate services."

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