Information technology has advanced greatly with the use of computers to perform different task, including Digital piracy which is an illegal duplication and distribution of copyrights of content through electronic means. This research work addresses the causes, consequence and the possible ways by which digital piracy can be prevented. The methodology used by the researcher to solve the problem of digital piracy includes file authentication, legal measures, ethical measure or technical measure. At the end of the research, it was discovered that use of passwords, serial numbers for authentication prevents much digital piracy.

The word piracy can be defined as the unauthorized distribution of music, movies, television programs, software, video games, books, photos, and periodicals quickly and easily, to the detriment of creative artists and legitimate rights holders.

Digital piracy simply means the illegal duplication and distribution of copyrighted content through electronic means. This research work addresses the two categories of piracy; which are the digital and physical piracy. The types of piracy; which are books, software, music, films etc as well as the causes, consequences and prevention of digital piracy. This research work answers the questions like why do people pirate? What are the impacts of digital piracy in our country? Why does piracy still persist? Can piracy be stopped? And so on. This report makes the case that digital piracy is a serious problem with significant ramifications for the Nigeria economy.

From the early days of IRC to the creation of the pirate Bay, online piracy has grown from a minor annoyance perpetrated by an underground community to a mainstream issue that impacts several industries. Internet savvy users originally shared music and videos with ne another through a string of underground chat rooms, however with the rise of video-sharing website You Tube, it has become increasingly easy to watch or listen to copyright material on the Web for free. While Google (GOOG) does its best to remove infringing content, throughout the years, users have found various techniques that allow them to bypass the internet giant’s search and destroy tools, and keep their videos online for million to see. You Tube and similar sites are only the tip of the iceberg. However, each day more and more users are turning to peer-to-peer file-sharing websites that use the Bit Torrent protocol, the most popular being the pirate Bay. These websites offer users the opportunity to download millions of movies, music, games and software with a simple click of the bottom.