Piracy 101: The Cost of Illegal Downloading and File-Sharing

By Diane Smiroldo

There is a saying “what you don’t know can’t hurt you,” but that’s not necessarily true when it comes to pirated software, music, movies and other digital copyrighted works. When you receive the latest version of a software program from a friend, download software without permission or purchase it on an online auction site, it may seem to be a good idea. But, what may appear to be a bargain, actually can turn into a raw deal.

Software piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution or downloading of copyrighted works and, unfortunately, it’s prevalent around the world. Stealing or “pirating” commercial software, in particular, has gotten out of control on campuses and students may think using the term “sharing software” makes it all right. But it doesn’t. Here is a reality check:  It’s stealing. Downloading commercial software without a license, making copies of your new program for friends, loaning or borrowing disks or buying one software program and installing it on multiple computers is not legal or smart.

Downloading commercial software without permission is breaking the law.Software piracy is subject to criminal prosecution and civil penalties, including statutory damage awards of up to $150,000 per copyrighted work. Additionally, it goes on one’s permanent criminal record, checked by employers, schools and other interested parties.

The copyright law protects authors and publishers. Think about how you would feel when you catch someone using your work or claiming your ideas as his or her own. You wouldn’t want them to capitalize on your creative genius. That’s how software engineers feel about their software products.  Using unlicensed software puts their livelihood at risk and potentially other jobs – maybe yours – as well as new programs in the research and development stage.

In addition, there are many risks involved with buying software or downloading it online. Users of pirated software won't get upgrades, technical support, manuals or documentation. The pirated software also may contain viruses and spyware which could crash computer networks because there will be no assurance of the quality or reliability of the software.

College students may be enticed to visit online auction sites offering pirated software because it seems like they are getting a bargain, but the risks are enormous.

In essence, with pirated products, you risk wiping out your computer. You could lose everything – your class papers, your thesis, your music, photos, e-mail and other valuable data.

Why take the risk?

While the consequences of illegal downloading and file-sharing could impact the reliability of the software used for school projects, students need to know that they may be putting their future careers in jeopardy if they download and share copyrighted digital works.

Eighty-six percent of the managers (both hiring managers and supervisors) consider unethical and illegal downloading, file-sharing, and uploading attitudes and behaviors of their job candidates when making hiring decisions, according to a nationwide survey conducted BusinessWeek Research Services.

Higher education students should take note of these findings as they prepare to enter the workforce. Illegal and unethical behaviors relating to downloading and file-sharing can mean they may not get the job they want.

In fact, if 29 percent of company hiring managers knew that a job applicant had lax attitudes toward illegal file-sharing in the work place, they “probably” or “definitely” would reject a job candidate, according to the BusinessWeek survey.  If managers knew that a job applicant had improperly obtained or shared files in the past, 34 percent of managers report they would “probably” or “definitely” reject the candidate.
    
In addition to the loss of a potential job, illegal file-sharers and downloaders should weigh the other costs to buying or sharing pirated software. A higher piracy rate means fewer jobs for college graduates. 

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Diane Smiroldo is Vice President of the Business Software Alliance. Visit www.definetheline.com for more information, including the latest research from Businessweek/BSA on employers and how they feel about downloading.

Business Software Alliance grants reprint permission.

Sites of interest:
www.BSACyberSafety.org
www.DefineTheLine.com
www.pro-music.org
www.whatsthedownload.com

Piracy Costs

• Your school papers, photos, music and other valuable data can be wiped out by pirated software which may contain viruses and spyware which could crash computer networks.

• You and your school could be exposed to potential legal liability and fines of up to $150,000 per copyright infringement. You could also face discipline or even expulsion from your school.

• Your reputation is at stake since the potential exists for criminal prosecution and civil penalties, which get listed on your permanent record.

• Your future is at risk. Research shows that prospective employers pay attention to how people use their computers and take improper file sharing into consideration when they make hiring decisions.

• Your job. Someday piracy could affect YOUR job as a developer who has your own work stolen.

• Upgrades and new digital works could be in jeopardy as piracy losses escalate. In 2005, the U.S. lost $6.9 billion as a result of software piracy. Piracy prevents developers from creating with the research and development for new software programs and they have no incentive to share their work if they aren’t compensated.

Visit www.definetheline.com for more information, including the latest research from Businessweek/BSA on employers and the impact piracy has on their hiring practices.

Download a student factsheet.