Spain ranks among the European countries with the lowest consumption of illegal content online, coming in fifth place among the countries with the fewest accesses to this type of material. According to the latest report from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on online piracy, Spanish users access illegal content 8.5 times per month, a figure significantly lower than the European average of 10.3 times.
Key Findings from the EUIPO Report on Piracy in the EU
Prepared by the author based on the official EUIPO report
The study, which analyzes the Internet usage habits of users aged 15 to 74, highlights the following key points:
1. Stabilization of Illegal Consumption
Overall piracy increased through the end of 2021 and has since plateaued, averaging 10.3 illegal accesses per user per month. While illegal access to television content shows a slight increase, the decline in consumption of other types of content, such as movies, has offset this trend.
This phenomenon is primarily attributed to factors such as:
- The rise in popularity of legal streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.
- Awareness campaigns about the legal and economic consequences of piracy.
2. Television Program Piracy
Television leads the way in illegal consumption, accounting for 50% of all illicit accesses—that is, 5.1 visits per month to pirate sites per user.
The report also highlights that television content continues to attract interest because:
- Many popular shows and series are available only on specific platforms, leading users to seek out illegal alternatives.
- The diversification and proliferation of streaming platforms, which lead users to resort to piracy to avoid paying for multiple subscriptions.
3. Streaming is the preferred method
Streaming remains the predominant method for consuming illegal content. Pirated IPTV platforms not only provide immediate access without the need for downloads, but they now also mimic legal services in terms of their interface and user experience, making them more appealing and leading to a 10% increase in visits to these sites over the past year.
4. Specific Trends by Content Type
- Movie piracy has declined, possibly due to the near-immediate availability of movies after their release.
- Music and software are on the rise, driven by easy access to shared files and specialized websites.
- Unauthorized access to live sports broadcasts also continues to rise.
- The illegal consumption of books, magazines, and other texts remained stable.
Toward More Responsible Consumption
The report paints an encouraging picture, with signs of stabilization and even a decline in certain categories of illegal consumption. This reflects progress toward greater use of legal services.
However, the path toward the complete elimination of piracy requires a profound cultural shift. It is essential that users understand the impact of piracy and adopt habits that value and respect the work of creators. Hence the importance of educational initiatives, along with the development of attractive and accessible legal alternatives to combat this problem.
Alberto Gallo, Associate in the Legal and Anti-Piracy Department.