The ability to download music and films on demand and share information is a great benefit of the internet, but keep the following information in mind:
Together with Mumsnet and Sky we asked parents about their experiences of the risks they see with digital piracy. Read our ‘Internet safety & dangers of digital piracy report’ to see what they said and get advice.
Make it clear that it’s illegal to download most films, songs and games without paying for them
Research any download site your child is using and check it’s legal and trustworthy
Check your child’s computer and device internet histories regularly for signs of illegal activity. A total lack of internet history may also be a sign of illegal activity
Check your bank accounts and all bills you receive for any signs of identity theft.
Point your children to secure sites where they can buy music and films, such as iTunes or Amazon. You can limit the amount they spend by getting them gift cards for a particular sum
Look into services such as Spotify (for music) or Netflix (for films) which allows unlimited streaming
If an attachment seems suspicious, check with the person who sent it and scan it with appropriate antivirus software before opening it. Some software provides a list of reputable sources for downloading as well as flagging those known for harmful content
If something mentions ‘free’ or terms like ‘Unlimited Movie Downloads’ , ‘ 100% legal’ these links will usually take you to pirated content.
Ensure your wireless connection is secured with an encrypted password.
Use parental controls to reduce the likelihood of children accidentally viewing inappropriate content.
Keep your antivirus software up to date. You can set the software to automatically scan your computer, but make sure you monitor this regularly.
Have the latest version of your operating system and apps installed on your devices.
Check in with your internet provider to get their latest advice on how to keep one step ahead of the cybercriminals.
Report criminal activity related to pirated digital content sush as films, TV and sports to CrimeStoppers – 0800 555 111