Illicit Audiovisual Content Consumption Among Young Italians: A Growing Concern
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos Doxa and promoted by Fapav has shed light on a disturbing trend among young Italians. According to the study, a staggering 56% of young people between the ages of 10 and 25 engage in illicit activities to access audiovisual content. This phenomenon is not only a concern for the entertainment industry but also raises questions about the perception of risk and the impact of piracy on individuals and society as a whole.
Understanding the Motivations Behind Illicit Content Consumption
The survey reveals that younger individuals, between 10 and 14 years old, tend to emulate their peers and do not yet fully comprehend the consequences of their actions. In contrast, older teenagers and young adults, aged 15-25, are more likely to justify their behavior as a form of protest against a system they perceive as flawed. This highlights the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns to address the root causes of this issue.
Perception of Risk and Consequences
The study also explores the perception of risk among young Italians. While 40% of 10-14 year olds and 44% of 15-25 year olds consider viruses and malware to be significant risks, scams and data theft are more concerning for younger individuals (35% vs 28-29% for older ones). Notably, 62% of 15-25 year old pirates have experienced cyber attacks, yet this has not led to increased caution. Instead, they have developed strategies to mitigate risks, such as using dedicated devices, which can create a false sense of security.
The Role of Education and Awareness
Only 33% of 10-14 year olds and 38% of 15-25 year olds report having received information about the risks of audiovisual piracy, primarily through school or family. Interestingly, pirates claim to be more informed about the risks than non-pirates. To effectively address this issue, it is essential to promote a collective narrative around the consequences of piracy and to engage schools and families in creating a cultural framework that values legality and respect for creativity.
Expert Insights and Call to Action
Federico Bagnoli Rossi, president of Fapav, emphasizes the need for greater communication and awareness campaigns, stating that “the new Italian legislation, among the most advanced at European level, together with the innovative Agcom procedure with the blocking of all illicit content within 30 minutes, certainly represents a new and effective frontier in terms of law enforcement.” Larissa Knapp, executive vice president and head of content protection of the Motion Picture Association, highlights the importance of educational activities in shaping responsible digital habits and promoting respect for creativity.
Alessandro Usai, president of Anica, notes that the audiovisual product is the most expensive in the cultural sector, with returns on investment occurring over several months, making content protection crucial. He stresses that education and school are vital in preventing piracy, but also acknowledges the need for a more comprehensive approach to prevent the act from being possible.
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