European Kids More Scared of Viruses Than Legal Action When File Sharing

A European Commission study on the internet use of children has turned up some not-so-surprising results on the kids' attitude to downloading music.

The "Eurobarometer" study asked children in the 9-10 and 12-14 age groups about all kinds of internet use, but the findings on illegal file sharing only confirm what we already knew: Stealing music is socially acceptable.

The long standing lack of legal alternatives, plus the heavy handed tactics of the industry have give the kids an outlaw attitude, and the only thing that really scares then is the chance of pulling down some malware with the latest chart topper.

Arguments include the price of CDs and DVDs:

"They have a lot of money ! They don’t need my money" – (Boys group, 12-14 years, Czech Republic)

"I really don’t care, it’s not my problem. Singers and actors are rich enough" – (All groups, Italy)

and a general misunderstanding of the law:

"Downloading is illegal, it is not punishable whereas sharing the files is punishable" –* (Boys group, 12-14 years, Finland)*

One point, made by French boys in the 12-14 year old group really hits the point, though. These kids know who the real criminals are:

"People download, but if is just for themselves, it is less serious than downloading for burning and reselling"

EMI and Universal are taking the right steps by offering DRM-free music, but is it too late? Norwegian girls show how ingrained the practise has become:

"Dad does it all the time"

Press release [Europa]

Safer Internet for the Children [Eurobarometer PDF]