Combined efforts 'needed to curb piracy'

Dubai: Software piracy seems to be a problem that the Gulf states just can't shake despite the never ending succession of raids conducted just doesn't seem to get the clear message across to the market that piracy is illegal. But still computer retailers and companies are always willing to take the risk.

Anti-piracy raids have been going on in the region since early 2000. The fact that raids which takes place a round the region show that the legal framework is in place to make enforcement possible than before.

"The UAE is a good example for other Arab countries to follow and this is the 11th year in which the country is ranked lowest in the region as the piracy rate stands at 35 per cent for the last two years despite the unprecedented growth of the IT industry. The use of the broadband has spread wide, providing more opportunities for pirates to use high-tech solutions," said Jawad Al Reda, BSA co-chairman for the Gulf region.

In 2007, 150 million people came onto the internet for the first time. From 2008 to 2012, another 700 million will enter cyberspace, 76 per cent of which will be located in emerging markets. Of the 200 million households expected to get broadband access between now and the end of 2012, more than half will be in the emerging geographies. Access to pirated software will continue shift from the streets to the internet, according to IDC report.

Al Reda said governments across the Gulf have been increasing their efforts to reduce the piracy rate, which stands at more than 50 per cent in five of the six Gulf states.

Gulf countries suffered $400 million (Dh1.47 billion) losses in 2007, an increase of 3.09 per cent when compared to $388 million (Dh1.42 billion) in 2006.

At No 20, the UAE is the only Arab country among the top 20 lowest-piracy countries. Anti-piracy efforts by industry and government in the region are paying off, yet, in Saudi Arabia, piracy has only dropped three percentage points to 51 per cent since 2003 despite widely publicised enforcement efforts by the government.

He said BSA will continue to work with IT organisations, government agencies, consumer groups and the general public to promote a safe and crime-free digital society.

"Through sustained efforts, we are confident of creating an ever greater impact in the future. In fact, our study has further revealed that if we can reduce global piracy by 10 points over the next four years, we will be able to generate thousands of new jobs, substantially increase tax revenues and build a stronger economy for all countries," he said.

IDC estimates the benefits of cutting the piracy rate from 35 per cent to 25 per cent would create an additional 710 new jobs, $40 million in tax revenues and $238 million to the UAE's economy, according to IDC report.

"The UAE government is definitely playing an important role in bringing down piracy rates and what we are aiming to do is lower the rate further so that the economy will flourish," said Al Reda.

Al Reda is confident that the UAE will figure among the top 20 in the low piracy list in 2008.

"Most of the benefits that result from lowering piracy accrue to locally based resellers, software services, and channel firms - meaning the greatest proportion of economic benefits from lowering piracy remain within a country," he said.