Research reveals the best way to stop piracy

A new study published by UK researchers has revealed the number one way to stop piracy, reports Torrentfreak.

“Threatening file-sharers with high fines or even prison sentences is not the best way to stop piracy, conclude researchers from the University of East Anglia, Lancaster University, and Newcastle University.”

“Instead, the entertainment industries should focus on improving the legal options, so these can compete with file-sharing.”

The research based on a psychological study among hundreds of music and ebook consumers found that the perceived benefits of pirating, such as quality, flexibility of use and cost were the real driving force of piracy.

“Given that we observe a much more powerful predictor of behavior in perceived benefit, changes to legal frameworks may not be the most effective route to change behaviour,” lead author Dr Steven Watson says.

“Specifically, one strategy to combat unlawful file-sharing would be to provide easy access to information about the benefits of legal purchases or services, in an environment in which the specific benefits UFS offers are met by these legal alternatives.”

So what are the best legal options?

In their paper, the researchers mention subscription services such as Spotify as the most compelling alternatives.