Illegal online downloaders ‘also purchasing music’

Those using web hosting services may be concerned about people downloading music illegally from websites, but it appears people doing this are also willing to pay for tunes.

A poll of 1,008 people across the UK by Demos has shown that eight in ten out of those downloading illegally also bought CDs, vinyl or downloads in the last 12 months. Two-thirds were found to have purchased CDs and spent an average of £75 each.

Nine in ten of the illegal downloaders make use of at least one of the main official internet music services. High use of websites such as YouTube (87 per cent) and catch-up TV (72 per cent) was also reported.

A spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills told the BBC that it is encouraging the findings show "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".

Written by Jermaine Jones.