People who download music illegally spend more money each year on CDs, vinyl and MP3s than those who do not source their music through file sharing websites like The Pirate Bay, new research shows.
According to a study by Ipsos Mori, commissioned by think tank Demos, illegal downloaders put an average of £77 every year into the music industry and people who buy tracks legitimately pay out £44 over 12 months.
Music fans between the ages of 16 and 50 were questioned in the survey, and almost one in ten of respondents said that they download music illegally.
The research comes in the week after the government announced it may disconnect illegal file sharers from the web.
Lord Mandelson, the business, innovation and skills minister, claimed that internet pirates are a threat to the UK's creative industries.
However, Peter Bradwell, a researcher at Demos who specialises in digital rights and consumer trends, says the government's latest approach will not be of benefit to the 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 to music," he explains.
