Peer-to-peer file sharing programs such as LimeWire, FrostWire, uTorrent, or eMule are awfully tempting. Students are known for living on shoestring budgets, so who wouldn't want free music, movies, or software?
However, if you do not have the copyright owner's permission to copy or share the file you could be charged with a federal crime and/or sued in civil court.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has specifically targeted college students in expensive lawsuits for alleged copyright violations.
Here at UC San Diego, university officials routinely receive "Cease and Desist" letters based on UC San Diego students' illegal fire sharing via the university's networks. In fact, within the last few years over 100 UC San Diego students have been sued for copyright violations, even when the alleged illegal download was the student's first ever.
With the minimum penalty assessed at $750 per song, a copyright lawsuit brought by the RIAA or MPAA may cost students significant money. Students may also be in violation of the Student Conduct Code if caught illegally sharing copyrighted materials!
The Student Conduct Code section VII D states that "misuse of University computer and other University electronic resources.. which violate ... the Academic Computing & Media Services Acceptable Use Policies" may be a violation of the Student Conduct Code. This includes sharing copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright holder.
Just like any other Student Conduct Code violation students may receive sanctions for his or her improper use of the UC San Diego network. Sanctions may range from having your network devices temporarily blocked, taking a seminar on copyright infringement, to paying a fine of over $150.
For more information, Academic Computing & Media Services has a fantastic website describing the law and responsibilities of UC San Diego community members regarding illegal file sharing.
If you are a UC San Diego student wanting clarification on what constitutes illegal file sharing, or if you are a UC San Diego student who has received a "Cease and Desist" letter, please contact Student Legal Services for a free legal counseling appointment.
