When it comes to copyright on music and movies the law is unrealistic, out-of-date and unfair on consumers, according to a new survey.

The National Consumer Council (NCC), which works with public service providers, businesses and regulators, found the practice of illegally copying music from one format to another is common across all ages and social classes.

Current UK law restricts the right to reproduce copyrighted material for private use - including from CDs, DVDs and downloads – but over half of British consumers admit to making copies of their CDs and nearly 60 per cent thought copying was perfectly legal.

The NCC has lobbied the government with its finding explaining that copyright law is outdated and discriminates unfairly against consumers by placing unrealistic limits on private listening and viewing habits.

Jill Johnstone from the NCC said: "We need to shake up the copyright law to incorporate consumers' 'fair use' rights - including the right to copy for private use.

She went on to say: "Whether for films, literary or musical works, sound recordings or broadcasts, the length of all copyright terms should be reduced to fit more closely the time period over which most financial returns are normally made.

"Current terms already provide excessive protection of intellectual property rights at a cost to consumers."