Software Piracy in Asia: A Contentious Issue

Strategic Insights -

Indonesia, a country with a thriving software market, continues to grapple with the issue of software piracy. Speaking at the Indonesian International Communication Conference, Violet B. Valdez, PhD, of the Department of Communication at Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, Philippines, highlighted the prevalence of software piracy in Asia. According to Valdez, in 2007, Bangladesh ranked second among countries with the highest piracy rates, with nine out of 10 software installed being bootleg. Indonesia's piracy rate was 84%, while the Philippines had 69%. This is in contrast to Singapore's 37%, Germany's 27%, the UK's 26%, and the US's 20%.

Key Takeaways:

  • Software piracy is a significant issue in Asia, with Indonesia's piracy rate being 84% and the Philippines' being 69%.
  • The debate over intellectual property rights in regard to software is contentious, with proponents of free-sharing and proprietary rights having strong arguments.
  • The existence of software in the Internet realm needs to return to its earliest idea, where the benefits of cyberspace are for all to share.
  • International copyright agreements must balance the rights of owners with the public interest in the free circulation of information.
  • Developing countries have criticized enhanced copyright protection for increasing the cost of accessing content and applications.
  • Indonesia has been leaning towards the open source approach, with the government encouraging the use of free open-source software within government organizations.
  • The country aims to implement the use of legitimate open-source and free open-source software by the end of 2011, which is expected to reduce overall software costs.

Statistics:

  • In 2007, Bangladesh had the second-highest piracy rate in Asia, with 9 out of 10 software installed being bootleg.
  • Indonesia's piracy rate was 84% in [unspecified year].
  • 64% of Indonesia's Internet users are between the ages of 15-19.
  • Indonesia has 45 million Internet users, both regular and mobile connections.
  • Germany had a 27% piracy rate.
  • The UK had a 26% piracy rate.
  • The US had a 20% piracy rate.
  • Singapore had a 37% piracy rate.
  • The Philippines had a 69% piracy rate.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse
  • Indonesian International Communication Conference
  • Universitas Indonesia
  • Ateneo de Manila University Department of Communication
  • Violet B. Valdez, PhD
  • Bill Gates
  • Homebrew Computer Club
  • Caribbean News Digital
  • Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Informatics