The amount of pirated software used in Russia in 2016-2017 declined by 2pp to its lowest level since 2013, but illegal software remains installed on two thirds (62%) of all devices, Vedomosti daily said on June 20 citing a study by Business Software Alliance (BSA).

In 2017 the amount owners of software lose to pirate copies in Russia is estimated to be worth $1.3bn – the most in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). BSA estimates that illegal software is installed in 66% of all devices in China, worth $6.8bn.

Analysts surveyed by Vedomosti believe that the main reasons behind the fall in the use of pirated software in Russia are subscription-based deals that are replacing the one-off purchases for software, as well as a rising interest in information security among corporate users.

Most recently Russia’s internet major Mail.ru said that the number of active paid and trial subscriptions to its music streaming service reached 1.5mn. Previously social network VKontakte was accused on facilitating sharing pirated content and sued by Universal Music, Sony Music and Warner Music in 2014.