These figures demonstrate a shift in mentality taking place in Europe, despite the fact that films, series and music are still downloaded or streamed illegally on a regular basis. Young Europeans seem to shifting towards more legal methods of consuming content.
The internet habits of young people from the 28 member states, aged between 15 and 24, were examined and compared as part of the EUIPO study. The same study was carried out in 2016. More than half of the respondents had not used illegal methods to obtain digital content in 2019, compared to 40% in 2016.
The study differentiated between those who downloaded illegally with intention, and those who did not realise the practise was illegal. In Luxembourg, the intentional illegal downloads accounted for 29%, compared to 35% in 2016. The European average is 21%. Lithuanians are the worst offenders with an average of 45%, while Germany lead by example at 13%.
It would appear that the young population are taking more notice of internet dangers. They also subscribe to services which allow unlimited access to online content and streaming services, which is a likely indicator for the reduction in illegal streaming.
Streaming online pornography produces as much CO2 as Belgium
