Information Security Training

File Sharing and Copyright (Courtesy of ISO, University of Tennessee) To watch the video, click on the icon below that matches your media player. If you don't have a player, go to our download page. If you need a video with text captions, please visit our text-captioned page.

File Sharing and Copyright Protection

Listening to MP3 music and recorded videos is a part of the culture today. However, sharing of music and videos is protected by copyright laws. To use someone’s work not in the public domain requires obtaining the permission of the copyright owner. This may require paying a fee at a legal download site. Services such a Napster, Apple iTunes, and others provide downloadable music with permission based on a signed agreement or a service charge. Sometimes owner sites will have an explicit statement saying that it is acceptable to download and reproduce their work without permission, but this is a rare occurrence.

Accusations of illegal file sharing typically come from either the music or movie industries, in the form of a “Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Complaint.” This act was passed in Congress to protect and reform the copyright laws for the modern digital age. It defines what is considered copyrighted and penalties such as hefty fines for individuals found guilty of illegally sharing copyrighted materials.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and other companies representing the entertainment industry contact the University when they believe illegal downloads have occurred. They provide identifying information that obligates the university to track down the copyright violator.

OTS utilizes content filtering and monitoring to identify potential or illegal use of information technology resources. One indicator is high bandwidth consumption by one individual or type of service such as WinMedia. As with any such abuse, the user may lose network access, as well as more severe penalties. The best way to avoid problems is education and knowing what is allowed under the law. When in doubt, ask before doing something you think may be illegal.

Legal Download Sites

• Napster
• Apple iTunes
• Yahoo
• Real Player and Rhapsody

Want more?

• OTS Copyright Information
• Copyright Information for Faculty
• Notification of Copyright Violations at TU
• US Copyright Office
• Copyright Law
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act
• Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
• Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
• Educause on DMCA
• Educause on P2P File Sharing

If you need further assistance, email infosec@towson.edu for help.
 

Information Security Office
Office of Technology Services
Cook Library, 4
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
E-mail: infosec@towson.edu