A new study by Columbia University shows that online piracy might be more widespread than previously thought. The Associated Press reports that the study found high rates among adults under the age of 30, and some surprisingly high numbers for older adults.
Our Andrew Sorensen reports on the ongoing battle over music and movies on the internet.

UTICA, N.Y.-- Wikipedia, Google, and numerous other sites went dark last month to protest two bills in Congress.

Director of Economic Crime Management at Utica College Suzanne Lynch said, "You can't control the internet; I mean, that's bottom line."

Congress set both SOPA and PIPA aside after a massive outcry against the online piracy bills.
But the media industry still feels it needs protection when it comes to the internet.

"What's happening when we're talking about music, we're also talking about movies being pirated, all sorts of intellectual property," said Lynch.

A new study by Columbia University shows 70 percent of adults under the age of 30 have downloaded this kind of property illegally.

More than a quarter of people over age 65 in the study said they, too, had pirated material.
Criminology experts say these numbers speak to a bigger problem.

"Today's generation think totally differently," Lynch explained. "So if you don't see that line where you put in your credit card number, or you know, that type of thing, must be free, and it is free. So what is wrong with that, if it's out there on the internet?"

Utica College student Alyssa Filkins thinks pirating is wrong, but sees it often, "As soon as they get home on break that's the first thing they do, is they download music."

Part of the problem with the proposed legislation is enforcing it.

Lynch does not think piracy can ever be truly stopped. So, what can be done?

"There is always the adage, if you can't beat them, join them. Partner with some of these [groups], or artists that are going out on their own and saying I'll offer one free, but you have to buy the rest."

A solution that satisfies both sides isn't likely. It appears Congress will have to figure how to bridge the gap.