47% PC users worldwide use pirated software.....>

Almost half of personal computer users around the world get their software illegally, with China's massive market the worst culprit, a report claimed. A Business Software Alliance (BSA) survey showed 47 per cent of PC users globally believe there is nothing wrong with using unauthorized copies of software programs.

The survey of 15,000 PC users in 32 countries showed Chinese users have the most relaxed attitude to piracy. As many as 86 per cent of computer users in the country get their software illegally most or all of the time, the survey showed.

The survey makes it clear that global software piracy is increasing day by day and china is on first position about this issue. The Washington-based BSA is an industry group that works for copyright protection and counts among its members some of the world's biggest technology companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Symantec and Adobe.

Pirated software installations cost the industry nearly $59 billion globally last year. It said in terms of value, China was the world's second-largest culprit behind the US, installing $7.78 billion of stolen programs last year.