As a nation of internet pirates Australians may not to be the lawbreaking scallywags we are often told we are.
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A Choice survey shows that 67 per cent of us have never illicitly downloaded television shows or movie and pirates who do are also more likely to be paying for content through services such as iTunes and Apple TV.
The survey, conducted by iView for Choice in early November, asked 1046 participants about downloading programs and films.
The survey comes as federal Attorney-General George Brandis and Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull prepare to bring proposed changes to copyright laws to cabinet. Proposed changes include blocking Australians from accessing overseas websites that host pirated movies and shows.
More than half of pirates said they tried to find the content legally first, before searching through other avenues. Those who do pirate content said they were motivated by the high cost and content availability in Australia. About 23 per cent said they pirated content once a month.
About 29 per cent of regular piraters also downloaded content legally through iTunes, compared to about 16 per cent of the general population. About 12 per cent of people who download over iTunes or an Apple TV subscription say they never pirate content.
Regular illicit downloaders are also more likely than the average person to go to the movies or cinema, Choice director of campaigns and communication Matt Levey said.
"This data shows that most Australians who pirate are even more willing to spend money on content than those who don't pirate," Mr Levey said.
Illicit downloaders are also more likely to have a Quickflix account, compared to the general population, he added.
"Some people have suggested we're a nation of pirates but Choice has found we're a nation of couch potatoes who seek out content, online and off," Mr Levey said.
He said the survey shed light on why Australians were downloading content illicitly.
"The content industry says they've changed but we keep seeing ridiculous delays to get popular TV and movies to Australia. For example, superhero TV hit The Flash aired in the US on 7 October but Australians had to wait until 3 December, two months, before it was available on Foxtel. The internet has made it easier than ever to access content quickly, providers need to catch up.
"There is a strong perception among pirates that content in Australia is more expensive than overseas. Given pirates are already willing to pay for content from Australian providers, giving them an easier way to access cheaper, legitimate content from overseas would help reduce the rates of piracy." Mr Levey said.
Mr Levey said Choice did not support or condone piracy and has called for cheaper content for Australians in its submission to the Competition Policy Review Draft Report.
