Determinants of digital piracy using deterrence, social learning and neutralization perspectives

ABSTRACT

Existing research indicates that the threat of sanctions and social learning constructs are associated with one’s involvement in digital piracy. Yet, there is minimal information on the role of Internet service providers (ISPs) in dissuading users from engaging in digital piracy. Our study aims to explore the relationship between sanctions, peers, neutralization, and digital piracy. Findings from a sample of college students in South Korea reveal that while deviant peer associations and definitions supportive of piracy were positively linked to music and software piracy, warning of service termination from ISPs was negatively associated with the two forms of piracy. The impact of legal sanctions on both forms of piracy was not supported. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital piracy
• copyright infringement
• deterrence
• social learning
• neutralization

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Byung Lee

Byung Lee, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Central Connecticut State University. His research interests are concerned with digital piracy, cyberbullying, and comparative criminal justice. Contact: 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050. Email: [email protected]

Seokjin Jeong

Seokjin Jeong, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at Arlington. His research areas include but not limited to: school violence, program evaluation, and comparative criminal justice. Contact: 601 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX 76,019. Email: [email protected]

Seung Yeop Paek

Seung Yeop Paek, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Public Justice at State University of New York at Oswego. His research interests focus primarily on policing and private security, security management, and cyber victimization. Contact: 7060 State Route 104, Oswego, NY 13,126. Email: [email protected]