(Consider This) Suppose that a new band, "Balin and the Wolf Riders," tries to sell its music on the Internet. Economists would expect
A) all of those enjoying the music to pay for downloads and compensate the band for its costs.
B) some of those enjoying the music to "free ride" through illegal file sharing and digital piracy.
C) government to tax those attempting to download the band's music.
D) there to be no consumer surplus for those who download the band's music.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Economists would expect some people to engage in illegal file sharing and digital piracy, which is a form of free-riding. This is because it is often difficult to enforce property rights on digital goods, making it easier for individuals to access and share them without paying. While the band may attempt to take legal action against infringers, the costs of doing so may be high and not always successful.

(Consider This) Suppose That a New Band, "Balin and the Wolf