Digital piracy

Digital piracy is the unauthorized digital reproduction of intellectual property. Digital piracy is a frequently committed cybercrime, especially by youth and young adults. The prevalence and costs associated with digital piracy are staggering. After briefly discussing the costs and prevalence of digital piracy, as well as different methods of how it is committed, this chapter explores research into the demographics of digital pirates and characteristics of the digital piracy subculture. It then discusses how criminological theories, particularly social learning theory, the general theory of crime, and deterrence theory, have been applied to those who commit digital piracy. In addition, the chapter discusses the creation and enforcement of digital piracy legislation and their effectiveness. Finally, the chapter discusses efforts by corporations and organizations to deter piracy through civil remedies and extralegal means.