Ups and Downs; Economic and Cultural Effects of File Sharing on Music, Film and Games

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to identify the short- and long-term economic and cultural effects of file sharing on music, films and games. File sharing is the catch-all term for uploading and downloading. The short-term implications examined include the direct costs and benefits to society at large. In order to determine the long-term impact, we analyse changes in the industry’s business models as well as in cultural diversity and the accessibility of content.

Keywords: file sharing, piracy, costs and benefits, economic and cultural effects, legal situation