Editorial piracy continues to take a deep toll on Italy’s publishing industry. According to a new Ipsos Doxa survey conducted for the Italian Publishers Association, illegal consumption of books in 2025 has siphoned off an estimated €722 million in sales—almost one third of the entire market. The damage extends well beyond publishers, with an overall economic impact approaching €2 billion nationwide.

The repercussions are also evident in employment figures. More than 4,500 jobs have been lost within the book sector itself, rising to 11,500 when related industries are included. Public finances have suffered as well, with the state forgoing over €300 million in tax revenue. No segment has been spared, from fiction and academic textbooks to professional and specialist publications.

Piracy is particularly widespread among younger readers and within academic environments. More than three out of four university students admit to having used illegal materials. At the same time, the growing use of artificial intelligence–generated summaries and content is raising fresh concerns, often driven by a lack of awareness about copyright violations.

Publishers and institutions are therefore calling for greater transparency from major technology companies and stricter enforcement of European regulations. Their warning is clear: without effective protection of intellectual property, a strong cultural industry - and reliable, high-quality information - cannot survive.