Music bosses are urging governments around the world to lead in tackling online piracy as new figures show a further decline in global music sales.
Overall sales in the music industry were down 12 per cent worldwide in the first half of 2009 and overall the music market has declined by 30 per cent since 2004, that's according to figures released by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI.)
The IFPI, which represents the music firms, says countries need to speed up legislation to tackle digital piracy. The UK is already trying to tackle the problem with its Digital Economy Bill which is currently progressing through Parliament.
Studies contained in the IFPI Digital Music Report "overwhelmingly" conclude piracy suppresses music sales, with one survey showing around one in five people in Europe shared music illegally in 2009. This drop in sales has led to a decline in investment in new artists.
IFPI chairman John Kennedy says "Music fans today can acquire tracks and albums in ways not conceivable a few years ago - from download stores, streaming sites, subscription services, free-to-user sites, bundled with their broadband or a mobile phone handset.
"It would be great to report that these innovations have been rewarded by market growth, more investment in artists, more jobs. Sadly that is not the case."
Although digital piracy remains a barrier for new talent and market growth, countries such as France, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK and New Zealand are leading the way with their proposed legislation to tackle the issue.
'Tough shit my friend, payback for the extortionate prices you have been charging for years, where was your offer of reduced prices when we complained about 15 quid an album,
and a special kiss my arse for the guys at metallica
