Latvian computer stores selling pirated software

RIGA- A on going campaign shows that half of Latvian computer stores sell illegal software. Conducted by Secret Buyer in cooperation with the Business Software Alliance (BSA), the campaign covered 30 cities in Latvia and 160 computer shops.

 "We found that almost one half of Latvia's stores are ready to sell illegal computer software, thus placing the buyer in the role of the offender. When the customers said that they were buying a computer for home use, the shop assistants themselves offered to install illegal software on the computer. It should be added that the sellers often required as high sum of money for such service, as a licensed software pack for home users would cost," said Latvian committee executive director Sanita Meijere.

The highest number of illegal sales was found in the Latvian cities of Bauska, Jurmala, Olaine and Tukums. In Riga, it was possible to purchase illegal software in 46 percent of the stores. The lowest piracy level was in stores located in the cities of Aluksne, Jelgava, Sigulda and Valmiera.

Computer stores large and small are selling illegal software. From branches of large retail networks to separate small traders, BSA said.

BSA found that many sellers lack information on the range of the software and its use. For example, a company was offered a home user software pack, while a home user was sold illegal antivirus software instead of being offered suitable and legal antivirus software for home use

During the campaign, Secret Buyer's specially trained employees visited computer software shops and expressed their interest in purchasing the software. The campaign lasted from October until December 2007. From January until March this year, Latvian Economic Police performed test purchases in the shops where illegal software was offered to the secret buyers.