AROUND 70 per cent of software sold in Cyprus is illegally reproduced and more than 14,000 computers out of 20,000 sold on the island last year operate on bootleg software, a news conference heard yesterday.
Cyprus currently ranks second in piracy rates, beaten only by Greece, out of 17 western European countries. Speaking to reporters in the wake of a widely publicised police raid against several compact disc pirates, Business Software Alliance (BSA) representative Achilleas Demetriades said it was estimated that illegal software copying on the island last year cost legitimate software manufacturers £14 million.
He added: “Another serious consequence is that the reputation of Cyprus is tarnished as a result of this unlawful activity.” Over the weekend, police arrested four people suspected of piracy, and confiscated thousands of music and game CDs, and videotapes thought to be illegal copies.
Demetriades praised the police for their successful campaign against pirated and unauthorised software and their determination to fight this scourge. “With the latest raids on shops selling pirated software, compact discs, video-games, and video cassettes, police sent a clear message that piracy will no longer be tolerated, and computer shops should make sure they do not sell pirated software,” he said.
Police told the Cyprus Mail yesterday that the force would continue its campaign until the phenomenon was wiped out, adding they would clamp down on piracy concerning all kinds of intellectual property. A spokesman said police were in the process of building a case against the four suspects, adding it was a time-consuming and cumbersome procedure because they had to go through around 10,000 tapes and CDs confiscated during the weekend raid.
Demetriades said the raids had been preceded by intensive training of officers on ways of identifying unauthorised copies and on the legal framework of software piracy. Original application products must be sold with original discs and manuals, licence agreements and packaging which carries certain security features.
“A licence is required for each product installed on a computer,” Demetriades said. He added: “the aim is to educate the public that in the workplace there must be licences for operating and application systems.”
There were cases of computer companies which charged customers for authentic software and installed pirate copies instead, he said. “The public is still ignorant concerning such issues. They should demand a licence for any product bought,” Demetriades added.
“The problem is not prosecuting people. The problem is to make people realise this practice is wrong. “It is always cheaper to steal something than buying it. If you adhere to this principal then fine,” Demetriades said.
If convicted, a pirate faces a fine of up to £1,500 and/or two years behind bars. For a second offence, the fine is up to £2,000 and/or up to three years in prison. In addition, offenders could face civil action, which could award a hefty compensation .
