Illegal downloaders spend MORE on music than those who obey the law.

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 5:41 PM on 01st November 2009

People who illegally download music spend more on official releases than anyone else, according to a new survey.

The study, published today by think-tank Demos, found those who admit to file sharing spent an average £77 a year on singles and albums - £33 more than those who claim never to have wrongly accessed music for free.

Researcher Peter Bradwell said the findings should force companies and politicians to 'wake up to the changing nature' of the music industry as the Government plans to disconnect illegal downloaders from the internet in a 'three strikes and you're out' rule.

An estimated seven million UK users download files illegally every year, which will cost the industry £200million in 2009, according to trade association, the British Phonographic Industry.

Artists Lily Allen and James Blunt recently voiced support for the Government plans, while Latin pop star Shakira claims illegal file sharing brings her closer to her fans.

The survey also revealed nearly two thirds of file sharers said new and cheaper music services would encourage them to stop accessing illegal services. It found that by lowering the price of music available online to 45p per track - compared to between 59p and 99p on iTunes - providers could expect to double interest in legal sales.

Eight-three per cent of people downloading music illegally said they buy more music as a result, while 42 per cent said they did so to 'try before you buy'.

But the Government is pressing ahead with plans for harsher punishments to act as a deterrent.

A Digital Economy Bill is expected to be introduced to parliament later this month, with its draft promising to create a 'robust legal and regulatory framework to combat illegal file sharing'.

Mr Bradwell said: 'This research demonstrates that cutting file sharers off may not be the best solution for the Government if they are intent on helping the music industry.

'Politicians and music companies need to wake up to the changing nature of music consumption and embrace the demand for new business models that offer lower prices and easier access to music.'

A 1,008 people aged between 18 and 50 were quizzed last month for the survey.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said: 'The scale of unlawful file-sharing poses a real threat to the long-term sustainability of our creative industries. The Government can not sit back and do nothing.

'While surveys asking people about unlawful behaviour should be treated with caution, it's encouraging that the findings signal that the three-pronged approach set out by the Government this week - a mix of education, enforcement and attractive new commercial deals - provides the best way forward for industry and consumers.'

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