Preventing Piracy

Over time this issue of piracy and file sharing have grown into major problems. If we're being honest, then I think it's safe to say that everyone has taken part in illegal downloading in some shape or form. The main cause for this is because we as users have to the power to find the information on the internet. The average user does not take the time to think about the problems they could be causing such as profit loss and viruses. Although I do not believe there's a way to totally eliminate illegal downloading I do believe there are some things that can be done to minimize the amount of piracy/file sharing. The first action that I think needs to be taken in order to minimize the amount of piracy is making the punishments more strict. In most cases, the worst offense that anyone receives for this action is a warning and honestly that's nothing more than a slap on the risk. There has to be a type of punishment implemented such as a fine that makes users think twice about what they're doing. Another obvious and easy solution to the problem would be to lower the prices of the music. I would say the average price of a song on iTunes now is around a $1.25. Most people have well over a hundred songs on their iPod so if you do the math that adds up to a significant amount of money really quick. If prices are lowered and users don't feel that they are being taken advantage of then the motivation to buy songs and albums will increase and issue of piracy will reduce. And finally, I believe that the government needs to be more active in implementing a stronger internet surveillance. It's impossible to believe that they will catch everyone who partakes in illegal downloading or file sharing, but it is realistic to say that this will scare people from trying it. In order for users to seriously think twice about illegally downloading they have to know there will be serious repercussions for their actions. Please let me know what you think of my suggestions!