Netflix hurting BitTorrent traffic?

Video-streaming service Netflix has claimed that BitTorrent traffic drops when it opens in new territories.

It's long been argued that the best way to combat piracy of digital entertainment is to ensure that there are adequate legal methods of purchasing the file.

It seems there might be some evidence to back this up, according to Netflix's chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

Speaking to website Stuff, Sarandos said that BitTorrent traffic took a dip in territories that Netflix opened its service.

One of the things is we get ISPs to publicise their connection speeds — and when we launch in a territory, the BitTorrent traffic drops as the Netflix traffic grows. So I think people do want a great experience, and they want access — people are mostly honest.

The suggestion is that people who previously pirated movies and TV via BitTorrent will change to the legal service when it becomes available.

Sarandos said that the way to stop piracy isn't to legislate against it, but to offer users "good options".

"One of the side effects of growth of content is an expectation to have access to it," Sarandos told Stuff. "You can't use the internet as a marketing vehicle and then not as a delivery vehicle."