Poland ranks fourth in the European Union as far as illegal use of computer software and music is concerned.
According to statistics compiled by Business Software Alliance (BSA), only Bulgaria, Romania and Greece have greater problems with piracy.
Krzysztof Janiszewski from BSA claims that 56 percent of software used in Poland comes from illegal sources. Data from neighboring countries also show reason for concern.
“Statistics from the Czech Republic or Slovakia show the level of using illegal software at thirty eight to forty percent. As for Poland, research shows that within the last few years this scale has not moved much because it changed by a mere two percent,” Janiszewski told Polskie Radio.
Janiszewski also warns that using bootleg software is not only illegal but can also damage computers as it may contain viruses, worms and dangerous spyware.
Every year Polish police 5,000 arrests in connection with illegal software. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, work is underway on a new law which will facilitate fighting with internet piracy and bring Polish regulations in line with EU law.
Data collected by International Data Corporation claims that reducing computer piracy within the next four years would contribute to the creation of abut 2,000 new workplaces in Poland, while the Treasury could earn almost three billion zloty as a result. (di)