Most Australians support piracy crackdown

A majority of Australians believe individuals involved in the supply of pirated television should be prosecuted and punished, according to research released today.

According to the survey conducted by market research company Auspoll, 60% of respondents agreed that individuals who facilitate piracy should face prosecution.  Only 11% disagreed.

Fifty three percent believe government should ‘do more’ to prevent television piracy, with only 12% in disagreement.

The results lend support to today’s government proposal to shut down pirate websites and enlist Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the battle against piracy.

Says Andrew Maiden, Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association CEO: “By proposing tougher measures to crack down on piracy, the Government is reflecting the views of a majority of Australians who believe that piracy is theft.

“The majority of Australians will welcome measures that improve education about piracy and encourage ISPs to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

“Those who download pirate television content are not only breaking the law, they are undermining investment in local television production and jeopardising the jobs of Australians who work in the sector.”

Maiden said the subscription television sector would work constructively with ISPs to ensure new measures were widely supported and the cost of any scheme fairly shared between content owners and ISPs.

Maiden also said the subscription television sector recognised that content owners could address the problem of piracy through supply-side measures.

Says Maiden: “Already the subscription television sector has taken major steps by making content available faster, cheaper and more conveniently.

“The industry will continue taking supply-side steps that make it easier for Australian television viewers to act lawfully.

“But the fact that someone may wish services were cheaper or offered on different terms is no better an excuse for piracy than for shoplifting.”