Looks like Norwegian entertainment industry groups can rest their minds and their efforts for a change. After years of lobbying and protesting for more stringent anti-piracy laws, music, TV and movie lovers are finally coolin' it. According to an Ispos, a global market research company, not only is piracy collapsing tremendously in Norway, it is occurring at a very ironic time. A time when hard earned fines and site blocking laws are finally hitting the table.

This month of July was when the new policy started, where sites at the ISP level can be shut down and copyright offenders can be pursued. What a coincidental time with piracy rates at some of the lowest levels in the country. So low, your jaws might drop. The Ispos report shows that in 2008, almost 1.2 billion songs were illegally gathered, and by 2012 that figure dropped to an astounding 210 million. I will give the math to you: that is a mere 17.5% of what it was in '08. As far as television and movies, 125 million and 135 million were the figures in 2008, and down to 65 and 55 million last year.

So why now? Why the rather explosive drop in people wanting to illegally gather their favorite content for their favorite devices? It is almost sad that the need for these anti-piracy campaigns has been dramatically reduced. At least for good reason, right? It all comes down to people making decisions that are easier for them. A professor from Oslo noted, “when you have a good legitimate offer, the people will use it”. Folks are less interested to download illegally when there are easy-to-use and access options available.

Just as important, making things affordable will almost always draw positive attention, especially in the world of technology. When it comes to the music industry, more people in Norway are using Spotify than ever, even opting for the premium upgrade. Similarly, with the accessibility of Netflix and other television services, illegal downloading is down more than 72%. Although Norway has led the charge against file-sharing sites, they have proven that if people are given stable and usable options, they will not act out of desperation. Makes sense, right? It does, but the laws coinciding with the lowest piracy levels to date will most likely be demonstrated as a success of the campaigns, not the personal decisions of the masses.