Children could become criminals by downloading pirated software

CHILDREN could be drawn into crime simply by downloading software from the internet, according to business groups.

The warning came from Business Software Alliance who have urged adults to teach children that downloading pirated software is illegal. The international organisation is concerned about the growth of internet piracy involving children.

A number of cases have been taken in the UK, including one against a 16-year-old charged with selling pirated software on auction websites. In Switzerland, two juveniles have been prosecuted for online software sales and selling pirated software CDs.

BSA Ireland chairman Julian McMenamin said parents should take measures to prevent their children unknowingly downloading material from pirate websites.

“The most technically aware person in the house is often the teenager who uses the computer and they’re usually more computer literate than their parents,” he said.

“There are a large variety of sources where illegal software can be downloaded, but kids should be aware of how easy it is to be inadvertently involved in crime on the internet,” said Mr McMenamin.

Irish businesses are estimated to lose out on tens of millions of euro in software licences because of criminal activity, and around €11 million of pirated material was downloaded in Ireland last year.

Mr McMenamin said parents can buy protection programmes for less than €100 that will prevent, sexual or violent material being viewed, and the downloading of pirate material.

He also warned that credit card details could be slipping into the hands of criminal organisations by buying pirated software on the internet.

BSA Ireland is preparing a course, available to schools later this year, to educate pupils, teachers and parents on the value of intellectual property such as software.