KIDS ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING: RESULTS OF SURVEY ARE ALARMING, CALL FOR EDUCATION

The world of children is full of risks related to the use of the internet, which, in addition to various types of cybercrime, also includes the risk of copyright infringement. For today's children, the computer is an integral part of life from a very early age. They are at home on the Internet and routinely surf the web as early as ten years old, often even earlier. The computer and the internet are natural means of entertainment and communication for them. They usually start with streaming songs and playing games, gradually moving on to downloading software, movies, etc. But they often have no idea that what they are doing may be illegal.

With the explosive growth of the internet, the data volume restrictions that used to be a natural barrier to the rapid and uncontrolled spread of content, including pirated content, have long since disappeared. Whereas a few years ago downloading films required enormous patience, today it is possible to download large files such as films in a matter of minutes.

Unfortunately, research suggests that children are actively engaging in morally and socially ambiguous online behaviour, which includes sexual socialisation, recklessness, rude and abusive behaviour and illegal or unauthorised online activities, including hacking or unauthorised downloading or distribution of copyrighted content.

Online piracy has become an activity that now appears to be firmly embedded in the daily lives of children. Parents often do not even have a rough idea of what their children use computers for and, if they do try to control them, their concern is usually focused on basic security. They usually leave copyright education aside, possibly to the school, etc.

Children and young people are not taught to respect intellectual property. Copyright works are perceived as elusive and therefore unrestrictedly available to all. Copyright and intellectual property are not actively supported by the general public. As is evident from various discussions on the Internet, the public considers them to be incomprehensible, complex and unjustified. No wonder. Piracy is often perpetrated by parents. According to the Czech Anti-Piracy Union, the most widespread arguments to justify piracy are claims such as "the author did not lose anything", "I wouldn't buy it for the money anyway" and "it's too expensive".

Downloading copyrighted content requires little technical knowledge and is unfortunately often considered "morally acceptable" among children. Children usually do not fear punishment or even know that they are committing a crime.

Risks of illegal downloading

But criminal liability is not the only problem that pirate downloading entails. What children think is free may in fact be linked to adware, spyware or other malicious software, which is often designed to go unnoticed for as long as possible. The consequences of such an infection can range from unwanted ads and pop-ups to stolen personal information and loss of access to all important data. This doesn't just apply to PCs and laptops. In addition to dodgy websites, streaming devices, mobile phones and smart TVs are also a danger:

• If a child is streaming illegal content online, they can be exposed to cyber threats, intrusive pop-ups and harmful content.
• Pirated content does not come with parental controls to protect the whole family.
• Unsolicited explicit advertisements may appear.
• Streaming pirated content puts family devices at direct risk of malware infection.
• The criminals behind online piracy make money by installing unsolicited ads and viruses.
• Malicious software on devices puts families at risk of identity theft and fraud.
• Families should be aware of the criminal consequences of illegally viewing pirated content.
• Viewers, persons who share the stream, or anyone who shares links to them are breaking the law.

EU Kids Online Project

At the European level, the EU Kids Online project has been addressing the issue of cybercrime, making a significant contribution to current understanding, debate and research across Europe since 2006.

According to the 2020 EU Kids Online research report, the Czech Republic is not in the best position. For example, when asked how often their parents talk to them about what they do online, only 16% of 9-16 year olds said often. A full 56% of children said that their parents never or hardly ever communicate with them about their internet use. This is 21% higher than the average for all countries surveyed.