Music piracy in the European Union is showing signs of stabilization, according to a comprehensive 2023 study by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Here are the key findings:

Overall Piracy Trends:

• Total piracy stabilized at 10.2 accesses per internet user monthly in 2023
• Music piracy accounts for only 0.6 accesses per user monthly
• Music piracy has dropped to approximately 25% of its 2017 levels

Popular Piracy Methods in 2023:

1. Stream-ripping (nearly 50% of all music piracy)
2. Direct downloading
3. Illegal streaming
4. Torrenting (smallest share)

Country-Specific Findings:

• Stream-ripping dominance:
  • Denmark: 63%
  • Hungary: 67%
  • Greece and Slovenia: 68%
• Ireland shows different patterns:
  • Streaming: 25%
  • Downloads: 42%

Key Factors Contributing to Decline:

• Growth of legal streaming services
• Increased actions against illegal platforms
• Better accessibility of legal music platforms
• Competitive pricing of streaming services
• Convenience of legal alternatives

Device Usage:

• Mobile devices account for the majority of music piracy
• Desktop usage represents a smaller percentage

The trend suggests continued flattening of music piracy rates, largely attributed to the convenience and accessibility of legal streaming services across the European Union.

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