Software piracy worsens despite renewed drive

SOFTWARE piracy is a serious problem in the Philippines, but more Filipinos are becoming aware that the use of unlicensed programs is illegal, according to anti-piracy group Business Software Alliance.

The global anti-piracy group has already given over P1 million in cash to tipsters who’ve exposed companies using fake business software, said Tarun Sawney, BSA senior director for Anti-Piracy in Asia Pacific.

“We are pleased with the positive response of the public to this initiative of fighting software piracy. We would like to commend the integrity of the software piracy informants for speaking up and doing the right thing,” said Sawney in a press conference at the Makati Shangri-La hotel.

The BSA’s hotline has been receiving 400 to 500 calls a day from individuals reporting companies using pirated software, he said.

The information provided by the informants has led to successful actions against the companies infringing on software copyrights owned by BSA members and in violation of the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, according to the BSA official.

“With the increase in calls to the BSA hotline, Filipinos are showing other countries, not only in Asia Pacific but also across the globe, how to stand up for the principles of truthfulness and honesty,” Sawney added. –Ferdinand Fabella, Manila Standard Today