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Conclusion
In conclusion, the primary reasons why people commit software piracy are that it is easily available, cheap, and involves relatively low risk. From our sample findings in Singapore, price itself is the greatest factor.
Also, as much as the statistical impact of software piracy on Singapore 's economy is not grave, it is substantial. Reduction in software piracy will eventually bring greater benefits such as better public service and higher employment rate.
Not to forget, several social, legal and ethical issues have come along with software piracy. The social implications of software piracy can be seen directly with the losses incur in the software industry that affects a country's employment rate. The legal implications of software piracy would be the infringement of copyright laws by both users and sellers of pirated software. There is a need to amend laws that can be circumvented and to address issues on the grey areas. Ethical concerns arise with the use of pirated software. In general, the public are aware that using pirated software is unethical and is equivalent to stealing. However, the potential benefits that they can reap from using pirated software seem to overwrite any prevailing issues.
Therefore, mere reduction of the price of original software does not solve the issue as a whole. A combination of possible solutions should be employed and implement together with the government, software companies and the individuals. The feasible ways at hand range from using software techniques such as Internet Product Activation, increase use and awareness of open-source software, increase law enforcement from the government to a more intensive education campaign through all forms of media. At the same time, software companies must sell original software at a more competitive level and include extra services and gimmicks that come along with purchasing of the original software.
In this way, it is possible for software piracy, along with its social, legal and ethical concerns, to be reduced and even eradicated.
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