The French Association Against Audiovisual Piracy (ALPA) recently conducted a study that analyzed internet traffic originating in France. Ironically Humorously, some of their results have now been unofficially leaked online.
The study was conducted over a 7 month period, starting in late 2007 and ending in June 2008. One hundred of the most popular French and foreign titles were scrutinized, which accounted for 90% of the total video piracy activities.
The leaked information suggests that nearly 450,000 downloads of popular titles are occurring every day, originating on French soil. The ALPA has also stated that their numbers might be underestimating the activites, with the total amount of on-going piracy being much greater.
I found it interesting that US-made films were not included in the file-sharing monitoring. Perhaps the ALPA only cares about French company interests? Big budget, Hollywood titles are the most popular films in the world. I am sure that there is quite a bit of Hollywood movie pirating also occurring in France.
