Half of internet users ‘unsure’ if content is legal

Ofcom has released the results of a study into online copyright infringement.

The study was carried out with internet users aged 12 and above, with the results showing that 47% of internet users surveyed are unsure as to whether content is legal.

Findings also show that one is six participants think they have accessed illegal content in the three months before taking the survey, and 28% of participants said they are ‘not particularly confident’ with regards to what is legal in terms of downloading. Ofcom coordinated the study as a response to a recommendation in the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth that Ofcom should gather independent data in the area of online copyright.

The results reflect the findings of another recent survey, backed by the National Students Union (NUS), that shows there is a demand for better Intellectual Property (IP) education among students.

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