Kantar Media ’ s Online Copyright Infringement Tracker , commissioned by the UK IPO , has shown that over half ( 52 %) of Internet users consuming content online now use streaming services . At the same time , downloading content is becoming comparatively less popular ( 39 %).

Respondents who stream cited convenience and cost as two of the main reasons for doing so . Spotify , the music streaming giant , has seen a 3 % rise in new UK users in just 12 months .

The rise of streaming has coincided with a small but significant drop in online copyright infringement . For the first time , those consuming content from exclusively legal sources has risen to 44 %, a 3 % increase since the end of 2015 .

Despite this positive trend , online infringement continues to have a major

impact on the creative industries , with music and film hit hardest . Kantar estimates that over 78 million music tracks were accessed illegally online in the past three months with TV shows and films illegally accessed more than 50 million times in the same period . One

in 20 Internet users are exclusively consuming illegal content .

“ Online copyright infringement has been a running sore for the UK ’ s creative industries for far too long ,” declared Baroness Neville-Rolfe , Minister for Intellectual Property . “ I am extremely pleased to see that there has been a decline in infringement and that consumers appear to be turning towards legitimate streaming en masse .”

“ There is , however , more to do . This government is committed to fighting against IP theft in all its forms and supporting the hard work of our creative industries . I am pleased that we are joining forces internationally to improve our knowledge of online infringement .”

Eddy Leviten , director general of the Alliance for Intellectual Property , said it was encouraging to see that more UK consumers were choosing legitimate content sources , thereby supporting creators and creative businesses . “ However , illegal content is still finding an outlet in UK homes and that ’ s why we need better collaboration to drive down availability and access to pirate websites . Government has a crucial role to play if the UK ’ s creative industries are to continue to grow .”

Security Audit Mark for Digital Media Content Systems

Cartesian , a specialist provider of consulting services and managed solutions to the telecoms , digital media and technology sector , has introduced the Farncombe Security Audit Mark . The Mark signifies to operators and service providers that the digital media content system has undergone an extensive security review , and that a report is available on request .

Content security vendors , Irdeto and Verimatrix were the first companies to sign up to use the Mark . Companies that join can display the Mark

in their marketing materials and websites .

Cartesian , has performed content security audits in support of the major Hollywood studios for over 12 years . The Audit is an in-depth review of digital media content systems to assess their overall level of security . Cartesian ’ s clear and thorough methodology assesses support against studios ’ rigorous standards , including the MovieLabs Enhanced Content Protection specification .

“ As part of our broader

security audit service , we introduced the Farncombe Security Audit Mark to fulfil the need for a reliable , and verifiable way to inform the public that the user of the Mark has undergone an independent assessment of their content security system ,” said Jean-Marc Racine , SVP at Cartesian .

There is now a greater level of transparency to communicate the degree to which systems ensure premium content is secure . By displaying the Mark , customers can be assured that security has been

meticulously reviewed against industry standards .

The process begins with Cartesian auditing a company ’ s content security systems and architecture . The multi-phase audit includes an onsite review by the Cartesian content security audit team and a detailed assessment report with the audit results . After completing the audit , clients can display the Mark , and distribute the audit report as they wish .

“ With content security a significant concern across the industry , the Farncombe Security Audit Mark now gives buyers visible assurance of completion of an independent and recognised security assessment ,” declared Racine .

6 Content Security