Arabies: Significant cut in software piracy in Morocco

Morocco witnesses a significant drop in software business piracy, said the monthly magazine "Arabies" in its latest edition, citing a study of International Planning and Research.

The study points out that piracy rate in Morocco has decreased from 82pc in 1994 to 58 percent in 2002 (the international rate is 39pc).

These "promising results" were reached thanks to an awareness policy conducted by Moroccan authorities, said the magazine.

According to Arabies, the software sector has registered a significant growth in Morocco, where the computer market has grown by 20 pc.

The article, titled "Microsoft, piracy threat," notes that Morocco has voted a law against all types of software piracy, while Tunisia and Algeria have just become aware of the situation and have started awareness actions before taking repressing measures."

For the director of "North Africa Microsoft," cited by the magazine, the involvement of public authorities is an additional asset to contribute to reducing piracy rate that harms the information technologies sector and national economy.