Internet Users Won't Stop File-Sharing, Study Says

LONDON — A recent survey by British Internet service provider BE Broadband shows that a majority of Internet users do not plan to stop their file-sharing activities even if the Digital Economy Act becomes law.

The BE Broadband surveyed revealed that more than 94 percent of the several hundred respondents said they do not plan on changing their file-sharing habits despite the Digital Economy Act, which seeks to punish persistent infringers through lawsuits and even possible termination of their Internet connection.

Instead, the respondents said they will take methods to hide their IP address by using VPN and proxy services.

About 4 percent said they would reduce their use of filesharing software and about 1 percent said they would stop using the software altogether.

Digital Economy Act opponents, who include free speech and human rights activists, say it puts thousands of Internet users at risk of being wrongfully accused of illegal filesharing and being disconnected by mistake.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

German Court: Regulator Can't Block Entire IG Accounts, Only Posts

A German court has ruled that while a regional media regulatory agency may block specific Instagram posts that include material deemed harmful to minors, it cannot ban an entire Instagram account due to such a post.

Brazil Lays Out Preliminary Guidelines for New AV Requirements

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday signed a decree establishing guidelines for new regulations requiring adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Senate Committee Debates Section 230 Reform

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing Wednesday on potential changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Pearl Industry Network Offers Free Creator Memberships

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched its free creator membership initiative.

Sam Bird Acquires Fanblast

Sam Bird, former co-director of global talent agency Surge, has acquired creator monetization tool Fanblast and named himself CEO.

'SheHerGirls' Launches Through Paysite.com

The braintrust behind PoleVixens has officially launched a new membership site, SheHerGirls, also through Paysite.com.

FTC Invites Public Comment on 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week that it is seeking public comment on whether it should amend its Negative Option Rule to better address deceptive or unfair practices.

Aylo Rebuts Indiana AV Suit Claims Over VPN Access

Aylo this week asked a Marion Superior Court judge to dismiss Indiana’s lawsuit alleging that the company violated the state’s age verification law by failing to prevent access by users who employ VPNs and similar means to avoid geolocation.

'PSMTickling' Launches Through Paysite.com

PSMTickling.com has officially launched through Paysite.com.

Show More