Computer Piracy

Computer Piracy

The era of computers has drastically changed the way we live communicate , and learn . Its diverse applications cause industries to function more efficiently revolutionizing business strategies , research telecommunications , transportations , education , and the defense systems Today , the world relies so much on this technology that is readily accessible to every one . Due to the widespread use of computers and its practical purpose , many unscrupulous individuals with criminal minds have taken advantage of this technology to benefit their self-interests for economic gain . Through piracy these hi-tech thieves earn huge profits

depriving the government of taxes and business owners of income that could lead to unemployment . In its sense , piracy refers to the activity of manufacturing unauthorized copies of protected material and dealing with such copies by way of distribution and sale (Panethiere 2005 ,

. 2

Computer piracy , which deals mostly on illegally obtained software , is a major global concern that threatens national economic security robbing entrepreneurs of their intellectual property . In the 4th Annual Global Software Piracy Study published in May 2007 , the Business Software Alliance (BSA ) and the International Data Corporation (IDC ) cited that in 2006 35 of all business softwares installed worldwide were pirated amounting to nearly 40 billion in losses . The organization further noted that if piracy is decreased by 10 within four years , this could generate 70 billion in revenues and 2 .4 million jobs . Despite strict laws and policing , the problem remains at large . Indeed , there is an urgent need to address the issue by way of education , inter-governmental collaboration , and global enforcement

games because of cheaper price compared to the originals . In addition advanced technology has empowered consumers to do just about anything with computers particularly with the advent of the internet , CD and DVD where any one can perform digital duplication . This has become attractive to criminals because of easy money scheme with no taxes to pay and minimal penalties if caught . Several cases of piracy go unreported because every one seems to enjoy its advantages but people do no realize that piracy is a leading cause why prices go up . Computer companies whose earnings drop due to piracy regain its losses by increasing the prices of their products . Those who practice this business ventures argue that what they do is not unlawful and people who buy pirated copies think it is not morally wrong because this phenomenon has become so ordinary . One can purchase pirated software , music , and games anywhere especially in countries where piracy regulations and law enforcement are weak with insufficient legal penalties . Pirates do not believe it is a theft , because they are not depriving the owner of their property theft is taking something , and piracy is copying something (Craig Burnett , 2005 ,

. 3 . Currently , piracy laws only prosecute those involve in the operations but not the buying public

internet . Computer users often find themselves in a piracy trap unaware that they are doing a criminal act . The computer technology offers unlimited opportunities for someone to become a...