Legitimate music downloads are increasing

SALES OF DIGITAL MUSIC have increased, according to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) trade group, and despite its warnings about the impact of 'piracy'.

Figures from the BPI show that while CD sales have fallen, digital sales increased last year and the industry enjoyed a fourth consecutive good year.

Digital album sales rose by 26.6 per cent last year to 26.6 million, while sales of CD albums fell by 12.6 per cent. However, according to the BPI, the CD is still very, very important.

"British music fans understand that the album remains the richest way to connect with an artist's work. Digital developments grab the headlines, but the CD remains hugely popular with consumers," said Geoff Taylor, BPI chief executive. "Physical ownership is important to many fans and the CD will be a key element of the market for years to come."

Of course, this would not be the BPI if it did not remind us about the dangers of 'piracy', although that does not actually seem to be doing much harm to legitimate sales anyway.

"Our Government is taking too long to act on piracy, while weakening copyright to the benefit of US tech giants," added Taylor. "The UK has already fallen behind Germany as a music market. Unless decisive action is taken in 2012, investment in music could fall again - a creative crunch that will destroy jobs."

In December the BPI said that more than three quarters of music downloaded in the UK is illegally obtained. µ