Is it really a problem if the film industry is still thriving or is digital piracy acting as a barrier to it reaching its full potential? Are there more effective methods to stop digital piracy altogether?

Title – An investigation into the ethical implications and consumer behaviour related to digital piracy and the effects it has on the film industry within the UK.

Background to the main issue/problem – the main problem with digital piracy is the fact it is clearly illegal to download copyrighted films in the UK yet individuals are still motivated to do so and share with others, what factors contribute towards this motivation? How many people actually do it and will openly admit to doing it? How are they doing it? How aware are these individuals on the laws against digital piracy? Is it really a problem if the film industry is still thriving or is digital piracy acting as a barrier to it reaching its full potential? Are there more effective methods to stop digital piracy altogether?

Research Question(s) and Objectives –

1. What influences individuals towards digital piracy and how is it achieved?

2. Should laws against digital piracy be stricter?

3. Is there a relationship between the level of promotion on a film and the efforts to digitally pirating that film?