By the end of 2002, IDC reported that approximately 36% of German households
were connected to the Internet, while 19% enjoyed high-speed, broadband
access. Consequently, Internet piracy has mushroomed. The main problems on
the Internet are auctions, eMail-Networks, homepages, P2P-networks (portals)
and organized release-groups (FTP, IRC etc.). File sharing has become very
popular and authorities are concerned about the rapid spread of a number of
well-known P2P networks. Experts have observed a significant increase in the
number of cease and desist letters being sent to individuals related to illegal file
sharing activity during the period Q1-Q3 2002 and Q1-Q3 2003.