In Vietnam, the use of “freebie” software is common amongst local consumers. Many users may have no idea that some computer software is not free, while others just refuse to pay for it, even though they know they should. Most computer firms in Vietnam have informed clients that they will no longer preinstall software on the computers they assemble. But is this a solution to combating software piracy, when illicit software is still extensively available in the market?

Use of “freebie” software by college students

Located close to major Hanoian universities including the Polytechnics, Civil Engineering and National Economics universities, Le Thanh Nghi Street has long been a ‘haven’ for computer science student enthusiasts who are too resource-limited to get their hands of licensed software. Unlicensed software can be purchased here for a couple thousand Dong a disc.

When we asked for the install package for Microsoft Office Suite, the sales girl instantly showed a thick catalogue with a complete set of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Office 2003, and even Office 2010 for us to choose from. All are illegal copies and none come with an authentic license. These software programs are either ‘cracked’ or come with serial keys for ‘cracking’ purposes after installation.

Hoang Hai, a Polytechnics sophomore said: “A licensed software program is of course better, but for a students' light wallet, ‘cracked’ software will come first”.

Both sellers and buyers have their own justification. The sellers do not think twice to steal from genuine publishers provided that profit is involved, and buyers accept the use of illegal products to save money, even though they know what they are doing is against the law.

Even firms are using “freebie” software

Not just personal users, but even companies and business entities in Vietnam use illegal software. In a recent interagency inspection campaign during October, 14 companies were found to be using a large variety of software programs without licenses. Four companies were from Korea, two from the U.S.A, two from Japan and the three remaining from Vietnam, Australia and Switzerland.

Inspectors from the Ministry of Culture-Sports-Tourism (MOCST), the Hi-tech Crime Police (C50), the Anticrime Police General Department and the Ministry of Public Security launched the campaign. The taskforce disclosed that it scrutinized nearly 400 computers and detected 1,251 software applications illegally installed and used. The illicit software found was mostly from Adobe Systems, Autodesk, Lac Viet, Microsoft and Symantec. Estimates by owners put the value of the infringed software at more than VND 15 billion (equivalent of US$ 705,000).

One of the most serious wrongdoers was the Taiwanese-owned Chanh Duong Paper Co. Ltd, based in My Phuoc, Binh Duong Province. They were using illegal software totaling over one billion Dong (or US$48,212). Despite being caught, the company has been uncooperative and defiant, denying any wrongdoing.

Reversing illicit software use

Through intensive effort, the government of Vietnam has, over many years, made robust progress in its fight against software piracy, with significant success. Data from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) indicate that while the software piracy rate in Vietnam was as high as 92% in 2004, it has now dropped to 81%. This rate is expected to further come down to 70% in the next five years, and 60% by 2025.

However, to achieve this goal, the time is now to put in place more aggressive action plans in fighting software piracy.

Quang Minh