Survey: Younger People Feel Less Guilty of 'Digital Shoplifting

Young users of mobile phones with a built-in digital camera feel less guilty of "shoplifting" digital content using such devices, according to survey results published on Sept 5 by Nepro Japan, reports NE Asia Online.

"The survey found that 60% of the respondents said they think "digital shoplifting" is immoral. A total of 26% responded that they think it is a crime and 14% said it is permissible.

Asked about what kind of images they have taken from books or magazines, or are thinking about or have thought of taking using a built-in camera phone, 14% said they want to take photos of a recipe, 13% said information on restaurants, and 10% said hair styles and fashions".

Digital shoplifting is becoming a big problem as camera-equipped mobile handsets are spreading fast and their quality is improving greatly. cf Digital shoplifiting in Japan, a growing concern for publishers.

According to Nepro Japan, "digital shoplifters often target magazines that offer informative content. "Digital shoplifting is an issue created by the emergence of mobile phones with a built-in camera and other digital information devices. It is very similar to issues related to file exchange software provided by Napster Inc of the United States. To solve such kind of problems, we will have to depend on the conscience of end users."

emily | 3:49 PM | Reports |
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