An introduction to quantitative research on digital piracy

Ofcom, the regulator and competition regulator for the communication in the UK works to protect the consumers from scams and illicit practices. At the same time, the regulator ensures that competition increases and it is not hampered in any way. They are responsible for encouraging better understanding among consumers about attributes of the data published by the electronic media and to create awareness of the systems and the methods used to access these data. By operating constantly under a regulatory principle of researching markets and remaining in the front position of technological understanding, Ofcom tries to achieve its objectives and perform its duties.

Background
Regulator wants to increase understanding among the users about file sharing activities and motivations behind it. To accomplish this, it executed qualitative research. The research is based upon exploring and recognizing the key motivations of file sharers. Unlike other researches that were published, this study concentrated on the uploading activity of unauthorized materials. Earlier researches had primarily focused on downloading activity. As per the Digital Economy Act, Ofcom is required to submit a report that highlights its progress on tackling online violation to the Secretary of State. In the report, it evaluates the degree to which copyright owners provide information to customers about copyright infringement matters and the degree to which they have offered legal access to their content. The report will also help the regulator prepare other detailed research during its reporting duty.

The findings of the qualitative research along with the different attitudes and motivations of the file sharers relating to their file sharing habits and behaviours are detailed in the report. Furthermore, the report discusses about the risks involved with file sharing activity and the participant’s justifications for file sharing. Evaluating their awareness and level of understanding about the potential and legal consequences of their actions are also detailed. Report end by exploring the various types of measures that will discourage people from file sharing activities.

Objectives of the report
This research throws light into the core drivers and motivations involved in online sharing. It provides Ofcom details about uploading copyrighted materials to extend their understanding about the behaviour and attitude of the file sharers. Aims and objectives of the research are detailed below.

1) Evaluate the frequency and quantity of uploading or downloading activities among individuals.
2) Assess the type of media content uploaded and downloaded by people
3) Understanding the motivations behind sharing and uploading
4) Recognize the existence of social norms that have surfaced around file sharing.
5) Recognize awareness and understanding among the individuals about uploading process. Understand whether they are aware of what they are doing, of how things works or what they think others could do in their archives or files.
6) Assessing attitudes of individuals towards lawful and unlawful file sharing, uploading as well as attitudes and awareness towards the outcome of file sharing.
7) Evaluating any potential deterrents social, technical and legal to file sharing.

These are the primary aims and objectives of the qualitative research project. Ofcom hopes to achieve its goals by understanding the issues with file sharing activities