Music companies failing to educate people about legal music sites

The entertainment industry is "shooting itself in the foot" and must bear some responsibility for the growth in illegal online downloads says Consumer Focus.

Research released today by the consumer rights organisation found that four in ten people can’t name a single legal online music service.

It found that despite there being over 20 services on the market nearly nine in 10 people in the UK (85 per cent) who are aware of online music services, have only heard of two established brands - iTunes and Amazon.

The organisation said not knowing where to go to buy music and movies legally contributed to the current high levels of online copyright infringement; and shows the music industry is failing to promote the many legal alternatives.

With the threat of new laws to force internet service providers (ISPs) to block websites allegedly hosting copyright material illegally, and to disconnect alleged illegal file sharers, Jill Johnstone, Consumer Focus' International Director, said: “The music industry is shooting itself in the foot by not promoting legal online music services.

"If file sharing is causing the damage the music industry claims, why aren’t they putting more effort in to promoting the legal alternatives?

The organisation said that before dealing with copyright infringement by prosecuting people - the approach being taken in the Digital Economy Bill - it is "only fair for the music industry to do more to promote legal services".

This approach will also see industry gain through more sales without the need for prosecutions, whose costs end up being met by all consumers.

Consumer Focus, which released a report last month that found nearly three-quarters of people were unaware of copyright laws, is also calling for reform of UK’s copyright licensing system. It said it must be made easier for online music services to offer copyrighted works to consumers legally.

It said reform would also encourage the growth of more legal alternatives; such as streaming through sites such as Spotify, “all you can eat” models such as those promoted by Napster and Nokia, as well as micropayment, advertisement or subscription based models.