Illegal music downloaders 'spent most money' on music, finds UK poll

It was estimated that seven million UK users download files illegally every year. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), copyright infringement in this form could cost the trade £200 million for this year.

The survey, published on Nov 1, found that one in ten people admit they illegally download music over the internet. However, they also spend an average of £77 a year on music - £33 more than those who claim that they never download music dishonestly.

The unexpected survey results suggest that plans by the Secretary of State for Business, Peter Mandelson to tackle illegal music downloading by threatening to cut internet connections could affect the music industry as a whole.

"The latest approach from the Government will not help prop up an ailing music industry. Politicians and music companies need to recognise that the nature of music consumption has changed, and consumers are demanding lower prices and easier access," said Peter Bradwell, from the think-tank Demos, which commissioned the new poll conducted by Ipsos Mori.

Mark Mulligan of Forrester Research also agreed with Bradwell. "The people who file-share are the ones who are interested in music," he said. "They use file-sharing as a discovery mechanism. We have a generation of young people who don't have any concept of music as a paid-for commodity. You need to have it at a price point you won't notice."