Student rapped for software piracy

Piracy watchdog successfully closes down illegal software distribution site following investigation

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) has closed down an illegal online software distribution site run by a Leicester-based student.

Last month the student appeared in court and was ordered not to copy or sell pirated software again. He was also warned by the judge that if he breached the court order he would face jail.

During its investigation the BSA identified the site’s suspect nature after tracing a series of transactions for software being sold below the recommended retail price. The BSA then obtained a court order and took legal action to stop illegal sales activity.

Sarah Coombes, director, legal affairs EMEA at the BSA, said: “Increasingly the internet is becoming a preferred method of purchasing software, but unfortunately there are a number of people and organisations out there selling counterfeit and otherwise illegal copies.

“This activity is not only damaging to the IT industry but pirated software can pose significant risks to purchasers who install it on their PCs. Studies have shown that pirate software downloaded from unauthorised sellers, auction sites or Peer-to-Peer networks is likely to be incomplete at best and at worst can contain additional code such as spyware or viruses.”

“We’d encourage both businesses and consumers to purchase their software from reputable sources and to seek advice from the software vendors themselves if in any doubt about the sellers’ authenticity,” she added.