Peer-to-Peer File Sharing
Peer-to-peer file sharing software is not permitted on college-owned computers except when required for a specific educational purpose.
When college personnel receive notices from copyright owners identifying personally-owned computers on Central College networks that are illegally sharing copyrighted materials such as music and movies, IT Services will cooperate with the copyright owner by:
- determining who owns the computer named in the complaint
- working with the computer owner to end the illegal file-sharing activity
- removing the offending computer from Central’s networks if other corrective actions have been ineffective.
Gratuitous sharing of copyrighted music has serious legal consequences. Fines for violating copyright can be up to $150,000 for each separate act of willful infringement. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) regularly brings lawsuits against individuals who use Internet file sharing services to share copyrighted music.
Downloading copyrighted media such as music, movies, images, video games or software without the permission of the copyright holder is a violation of copyright law. Some on campus may have knowingly or unknowingly made files on their computer available for sharing by installing software from Kazaa or other services. It is your responsibility to know how your computer is configured and to take the necessary steps to prevent illegal activity. Central College cannot protect you from legal action arising from copyright infringement which occurs through your actions or inaction.
Educational communities value the creation of intellectual property in its various forms. As members of the Central College community, our actions must respect the intellectual property of others.
Version history
- September 2005: Recommended to the President’s Advisory Council for adoption by the Technology Committee
- June 2013: minor edits
- May 2015: review, no edits