Hard Facts about Software Piracy

2nd reading assignment

Source:
Crittenden, William F., Christopher Robertson, and Victoria Crittenden. "Hard facts about software piracy." Business Strategy Review 18.4 (Winter2007): 30-33. Business Source Complete. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 10 July 2009 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=27448322&loginpag e=Login.asp&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Abstract:
This article discusses the growing problem of Intellectual Property on Computers, particularly focusing on Software Piracy. It also tackles the cost associated with piracy as well as identifying who does it the most and how this problem can be controlled. The different types of Software Piracy are discussed and a definition on the main topic is also presented. One of the highlights of the article is the discussion on “pirates versus buccaneers”. Software Piracy is definitely illegal and should not be tolerated in any ways. However “Buccaneers” or the supporters of the free era software movements believe on software sharing and the limitation of copyright protection. Legalities on software piracy are also discussed as well as the variation of piracy levels in different regions of the world. Finally, preventive measures such as legal actions, education programmes, copy protection techniques which can decrease software piracy are presented.

Things that I learned from the article:
1. That software piracy has different types.
2. That using pirated software increases risk of virus attacks and corruption
to computer system. Lack of technical support, warranties, and inadequate
documentation are also the drawbacks of using illegal software.
3. That not only economic factor increases the level of piracy in a country.
Culture should also be seen as one cause. According to the article, if people
around you use pirated software most likely you will also be using the same
software.
4. Countries who are advocate of open source or free software also have higher
levels of Software Piracy. Corrupt countries also have relatively high
rate/levels of piracy.
5. Information about recreational piracy and end-user software buccaneering.

Reflections:
Software Piracy has been one of the major problems worldwide, and I believe that Filipinos are pretty much aware of it. Of all the topics on computer ethics, I think that the violation on Intellectual Property particularly on Software Piracy is a critical and sensitive topic to discuss. It is critical since software piracy is illegal. However if one considers the notion of “everybody does it”, “recreational piracy” or “end-user software buccaneering”, then they might have a point in legitimately using the software. At the same time, this topic is also sensitive because any opinions against or in support of it might immediately give you a head turn or a raised eyebrow, especially if you are in the Philippines.

Overall I agree with the closing statement of this article where it suggests that issuing global standards is not the only way to reduce software piracy. One must also consider the economical and cultural ideological differences. Studying the philosophical framework affecting software piracy might eventually lead us to the most effective way of eradicating this global problem.