The Hong Kong division of the good old International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry has published a Chinese edition of that 'Young People, Music And The Internet' booklet which tries to explain to parents the ins and outs of downloading music in a bid to ensure they regulate their children's use of P2P file sharing networks. The thinking behind the booklet - which is already available in seven other languages in 21 other countries - is that it is only polite to tell parents about the legal risks they face if their children illegally share music online before you go sue their asses for it. The new edition will be distributed in outlets across Hong Kong, including 64 libraries and 20 offices of the Home Affairs Department's District Offices.
Launching the Chinese edition of the booklet, IFPI's Regional Director For Asia, Leong May-Seey, told reporters: "We are delighted that the Hong Kong authorities are helping us distribute this parents' guide. Many people do not know what their children do on the family computer and may find themselves in trouble with the law if their children are involved in illegal activities, such as sharing music files without the right holders' consent."
It is not clear if there are plans to distribute the book elsewhere in China. The wider music industry increasingly recognises the potential of the Chinese digital music market of course, but it is a market that is still greatly hindered by high levels of both digital and physical piracy.