One In 5 Maltese People Admit To Accessing Content Illegally – Especially To Watch Sports
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently published a study highlighting alarming statistics in Malta.
No less than 22% of Maltese consumers admitting to accessing content illegally, especially sports content, and half of young consumers said they find it acceptable to buy fakes if the price is too high.
Despite the understanding that counterfeits support criminal organisations and pose threats to health, safety, and the environment, a significant fraction of Europeans, one third, finds it acceptable to buy fakes when the genuine product is too expensive.
This proportion is higher among younger consumers, standing at 50%.
In Malta, the scenario is no different.
Even though 51% of Maltese consumers have paid to access content from a legal source in the past year, 10% have admitted to intentionally purchasing fake products due to uncertainty over the authenticity of the item.
Despite the risks and consequences associated with buying counterfeits and accessing content from illegal sources, the lower prices remains a significant incentive for consumers.
The study found that 43% of consumers would stop buying fakes if the price of original products was lowered.
Do you believe that prices are a valid motive to illegally access content or buy counterfeits?