DCI is so prevalent, one might think that it was a socially accepted practice. Indeed, one might wonder about the factors driving this phenomenon; we explore these possible factors here.
Back to topCopyright Infringement - The Low Cost Alternative
Most consumers would share the sentiments that they are being overcharged for digital copyrighted work, be it music, games or movies; this view is even more so in the developing world, where low incomes render most unable to afford the high price of copyrighted work. Businesses and consumers alike are unwilling to foot the bill for copyrighted work, yet wish to enjoy the benefits of using them.
As long as cheaper alternatives to originals remain viable, the incentive to obtain digital copyrighted material through other means is, in many cases, overwhelming.This has resulted in consumers searching for ways to avoid paying the high cost of original licensed copyrighted work - methods include downloading from the internet and obtaining illegal copies from pirates.
Back to topLack of real penalties
The lack of resources dedicated to the enforcement of copyright law means that rampant piracy and copyright infringement is left unchecked. This is often the case in developing countries, where a lack of political will and funds. The IFPI has identified Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russia, Spain and Ukraine as the top ten “priority” countries in the world plagued by music piracy.
Back to topConvenient to do so
The proliferation of the internet and peer-to-peer file sharing networks has made the distribution and obtainment of copyrighted material easier than ever before. All one needs is a broadband internet connection, which is fast becoming ubiquitous, and he is all set to go. Internet-based copyright infringement is most rampant in developed countries, where excellent infrastructure has made broadband affordable to many
A case to note would be that of South Korea, well known as the world’s most wired-up nation with a broadband penetration rate of 98%. A survey found that 58% of Korean Internet-user respondents have ever downloaded movies online, compared to an average of 24% for 8 other developed countries.
Photograph of a laptop, The broadband penetration rate in Korea was 98 percent.
[Picture credit: loomy from flickr. Licensed under CC by-nc-sa 2.0]
No other choice
The lack of a sizable market in developing countries due to considerably lower incomes in comparison to developed countries means that often, companies do not actively seek to market their products there due to minimal profits. Without a easily available legal source of digital copyrighted material, it is hence no doubt that many turn to DCI to meet their needs.
