14 DAY TRIAL // A study conducted by media watchdog Ofcom, the Office of Communications, revealed that 77 percent of children in the UK download files from the Internet, including here music and movies, through file sharing applications, but are not aware that, sometimes, such actions are illegal. However, from those kids who do know that this thing may have serious consequences, 50 percent consider that downloading these files should be free for all, Ofcom revealed.
What's interesting is that more and more Internet users are concerned about the information the online companies have stored on them, as no less than 69 percent admitted it. And this is quite understandable because the UK was affected by multiple data losses, including the HMRC case, in which no less than 25 million people saw their information going nowhere after the officials sent two unencrypted discs to another department.
Another interesting finding is related to the parental controls set by parents on the computers with Internet connections accessed by their kids. According to the research, four in five parents who didn't install such a software did it because they trusted that their children were responsible and nothing dangerous could happen as a result of their actions. However, the number of the cases in which kids are the main victims is continuously growing, so maybe this isn't quite the smartest choice.
"This research helps Ofcom understand how people's use of digital technology has changed as it becomes ever more a part of our lives. Although we have come a long way in the past few years, we need to ensure that people are not left behind by the pace of change. In particular, Ofcom will work with its partners and stakeholders to help all citizens develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to make full use of the opportunities available and to protect themselves and their families from possible risks," Stewart Purvis, Ofcom's Partner for Content and Standards, said.