Walking the plank

12 May 2010 By Robert Cyran Follow @rob_cyran

More than four in 10 computers run on illegitimately installed programs. This figure is rising as China, India and Russia places where few pay account for nearly all PC growth. Yet economics and enforcement suggest the amount of stolen software may be peaking.

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The amount of pirated software grew to 43 percent of all installations globally, according to a study by the Business Software Alliance and research group IDC. The figure was 41 percent in last year's annual study. Illegitimate use fell in 54 countries and rose in 19.

The reason for the global increase, according to the authors, is that computer sales are rising most quickly in countries where the majority of software isn't paid for, such as China and India. However, piracy rates in most developing countries continue to fall.

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