Duffy supports illegal downloading

Soul singer Duffy has claimed that illegal downloading can be beneficial to the music industry.

In an interview with Shortlist, the Welsh popstar theorised that obtaining tracks for free would encourage young people to go out and buy music they discover on the web.

She said: "It can go two ways - there are pros and cons to everything. Some people think it creates illegal access, but I think the big wheel is round, y'know? I think it's got more positives because it basically gives people access, what's the harm in that?

"Somebody asked me the other day what I thought of illegal downloading, and I thought, 'You know what? I don't care', because I think the majority [doing it] are kids and as they get old and get more income they'll probably buy records. So it's just making music a part of everyone's lives."

The UK's six largest internet service providers recently came to an agreement with the government, record industry and Motion Pictures Association Of America to send out warning letters to subscribers who download music and movies illegally.