Increase in music downloads by 40 percent worldwide

In the year 2007 music downloads already accounted for about 15 percent of global music sales. In 2006, this percentage had been 11%. These findings were published in the “Digital Music Report 2008” by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). According to this report, the turnover in music downloads increased by 40% to 2.9 billion dollars. Music lovers can use the services of about 500 legal online shops worldwide which sold about 1.7 billion songs last year.

The most popular song was “Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne. This song was sold 7.3 million times worldwide in several digital formats (download, video, ring tones).

The fiercest competitors of legal music providers on the internet are still illegal file sharing networks. According to estimates, for each legal music download there are between 10 and 20 illegal ones. According to the music industry, the most effective role in the fight against internet piracy is that of internet service providers. The IFPI wants these to block internet access to those who repeatedly infringe on copyright laws and use filter technologies more frequently.

The “Digital Music Report 2008” in English is available for free-of-charge download. GERMAN

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