Whistleblower nets £10,000 bounty from BSA

Unlicensed user: Whistleblower claims unauthorised software use compelled him to act

Anti-piracy body the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has reached a settlement of more than £100,000 against a media hosting company caught using unlicensed software.

It was prompted to investigate the firm, which cannot be named for legal reasons, following a tip-off by a former employee.

As a reward for their whistleblowing actions, the employee in question received £10,000 from the BSA.

The BSA confirmed the settlement is one of its largest to date and involved the use of unlicensed Microsoft and Adobe software.

The whistleblower, who also cannot be named, said he was prompted to act because of the impact his former employer's activities could have on his career.

He said: “As a Microsoft IT Professional it is my duty to report any known cases of unlicensed software, or risk losing my credentials.”

He also claims that, despite awareness of the BSA’s financial incentives, he was surprised to receive £10,000 for his efforts.

“I never expected this much money. This is definitely an extra motivation for other people like me, already frustrated by a management that thinks that they can get more with less,” he added.

Julian Swan, director for compliance marketing, EMEA, at the BSA, said: “Companies that fail to use legal software or ensure that they have purchased correct licences are actually putting themselves at a greater risk of financial burden, and possible operational and reputational damage.”