James Murdoch has called on governments to get tough on illegal downloading, which he said was no different from shoplifting. He made the call at the Abu Dhabi Media Summit.

Stressing that future growth would come from original content production, he said: “We need enforcement mechanisms and we need governments to play ball. The idea that there’s a new consumer class and you have to be consumer-friendly when they’re stealing stuff. No. There should be the same level of sanctity as there is around property. Content is no different. They’re not crazy kids. No. Punish them.”

“It’s a basic condition for investment and economic growth and there should be the same level of property rights whether it’s a house or a movie,” he said.

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