Swiss downloading remains legal

CHEESED OFF: Late last week, the Swiss government declared that free downloading for personal use will remain legal, citing the results of a recently-released study, Digital Music News reports. "The Federal Council concludes that no legislative action is needed," read the statement. The study, sponsored by the Swiss government itself, found that free downloading does not adversely impact overall entertainment spending, and sometimes increases it. "The overall amount of disposable income being spent on entertainment remains constant, through shifts have been observed," the report notes. While the study found that roughly one-third of the population over the age of 15 actively downloads content for free, it determined that this activity often leads to purchases of concert tickets and merchandise, among other tangible items. (12/5a)