The following information provides faculty, staff, and students at 蘑菇视频网 (CWI) the information necessary to make informed decisions when using Peer-to-Peer file sharing applications, as well as details on the College's plan to combat illegal file sharing on campus.
P2P file sharing:
Sharing copyrighted works through P2P file sharing applications is in violation of federal copyright law.
Examples of P2P file sharing applications include:
You can use a P2P file sharing application for legal purposes. However, if you have P2P software on your computer and use it to download or share files illegally, you should consider removing it. Here are a few reasons why.
To safely remove or disable P2P software on your machine, please consult the application's help file for more information.
File sharing is when you share (download or upload) electronic data files over a network connection, whether the network is secure or unsecured, public or private. File sharing is not illegal if you have permission from the copyright owner to share the files. It is illegal if you share copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright owner.
Sharing work or media through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network is legal if you own the copyright, thus you own the right to determine if and how that work is distributed. For example, you can write and produce an original song and make it available for others to download for free through a P2P file sharing program. However, it is illegal for you to download or share copyrighted works without permission from the copyright owner.
Yes, you not only put your computer at risk by running P2P software, you put the entire college network at risk. P2P software is designed to maintain an open door between your computer, the internet, and anyone who wants access to the files you have available to share. You make your computer vulnerable to viruses, and you provide criminals with an opportunity to use your computer to attack other machines on the network.
Every time you are detected sharing copyrighted works, you earn points toward a sanction. The number of points earned depends on the type of content and whether or not we were able to positively identify the content as being shared. The device CWI uses to monitor for copyright violations uses signature files, much like an antivirus program, to compare the content being downloaded against a database of known copyrighted works. If the device gets a positive match on a signature file a higher number of points are awarded than if the device can only match a file name of a particular work. Points are awarded for downloading or sharing the following types of content: movies, music, television shows, eBooks, computer software, and games. You also earn points for using an encrypted P2P client regardless of content.
has a list of websites available that will let you know legal sources to obtain copyrighted content online. Additionally, the provides resources and learning to help individuals make informed listening, purchasing, and technical decisions.
Contact the .
No, you will only receive the anti-piracy warning page when you are sanctioned. If you continue to download or share files between sanctions, you will still be generating points toward the next level of sanction.
In order to protect yourself from copyright violations, we recommend you remove all P2P software from your computer. This will eliminate the possibility of having any copyrighted material, which you own, being distributed to the public internet. To remove any software on a Windows based machine, open your Control Panel and choose Add or Remove Programs or on Vista/Windows 7, Programs and Features, and select each software title that you want to uninstall. Usually a simple Google search will let you know if the title is related to P2P software or not. If you need assistance or have a question about the titles that you see, please contact .
Many users choose to configure their P2P software for downloading files but they disable the feature to allow their files to be uploaded to the public. Many of the popular P2P applications have options that allow you to disable the uploading of files. If you choose to turn off the uploading of files in your P2P software, please consult the help file specific to your application for directions.
Yes, you have been detected sharing or downloading copyrighted content. This page will give you information on what content was detected, the length of your sanction (if any), and sources for legally downloading copyrighted content. The site looks like this:
Most likely you are using a P2P client that encrypts the data that it is being shared or downloaded making it more difficult to detect the actual file names of the content being shared. Use of an encrypted P2P client is not allowed, under any circumstances, on the College's network and will still earn points toward sanctions even if the content that was shared cannot be determined.
On first warning, your computer’s web browser will be redirected to an anti-piracy warning page informing you of the violation. On the warning page you will be able to see links to how to obtain music, movies, television shows, etc. legally. You must click on the “I will comply” button signifying that you agree to comply with CWI’s Electronic Technology Usage Policy prior to being allowed to access the internet.
On the second warning, your computer’s web browser will be redirected to the same anti-piracy warning page mentioned above however your internet access will be restricted for four (4) hours. During this time, you will not be able to access internet resources like news websites, social media, etc. Once again, you must signify your willingness to comply by clicking on the “I will comply” button. The restriction will not affect your access to myCWI or Canvas. You may contact the if you believe that you have been sanctioned in error and the Help Desk staff can remove the sanction early, if warranted.
On the third warning, your computers web browser will be redirected and internet access will be restricted for a full day (24 Hours). During this time, you will not be able to access internet resources. The restriction will not affect your access to myCWI or Canvas. You may contact the if you believe that you have been sanctioned a third time in error, however, be aware the Help Desk staff will not be able to lift your sanction early. They will create a ticket and submit it to CWI IT security. It is up to the discretion of IT security to lift the sanction early.
On the fourth warning, your computers web browser will be redirected and internet access will be restricted for the remainder of the semester. You will be required to meet with the Director of Student Enrichment or Human Resources and sign a letter saying you will stop sharing illegal content on CWI’s network prior to restoration of internet access.
On subsequent offenses, your access to the internet will be terminated permanently.
Violating the rights of a copyright owner can result in fines in the form of settlements or statutory damages. The courts determine the fines associated with copyright infringement, and fines can range from $200 to $150,000 per violation. In addition to the statutory damages, if you are found guilty of copyright infringement, you can be held accountable to pay costs and attorney’s fees related to litigation.
The is a trade association of the U.S. recording industry (or its member record companies). The RIAA serves to foster a business and legal climate for its members through protection of intellectual property rights and the First Amendment rights of artists as well as through monitoring and reviewing state and federal laws, regulations, and policies.
The is a trade association of the American motion picture, home video, and television industries. The MPAA serves as an advocate for strong protection of the creative works produced and distributed by the industry and fights copyright theft around the world.
