File-sharings 'normal': study

The anti-piracy message media companies are sending file-swappers doesn't seem to be getting through. The BBC reports that, at least in the UK, people don't see downloading copyrighted material as theft, according to a government-funded study called "Fake Nation" by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire and the University of Manchester. The study was previewed at this week's gamemakers' "summit" in London. The authors also found that "not having to pay for games was particularly attractive for teenagers, as it meant they had more money for other things." Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports, recording companies have adopted an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach (or added it to the litigation part of their campaign). "In the last few months, major record labels have signed licensing deals with companies working to field file-swapping services that would block unauthorized files from being traded online."