Music & Video Downloading
Copyright infringement is against the law and by downloading music or videos you may be in violation of this law. “Intellectual property” or copyright restrictions protect most artistic works including, but not limited to music, films, videos and software. Title 17 of the United States Code recognizes that among other exclusive rights of the copyright holder of audio and visual works are the sole rights to reproduce, display, or perform their work. Furthermore, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) of 1998 sets forth penalties for copyright infringements performed via the Internet.
What you need to know when using the network and Internet at Mount Aloysius College
As your Internet provider it is our obligation to inform you that illegal downloading of copyrighted material is not permitted. Network equipment is installed and in place in an effort to deter this type of downloading. While this technology is constantly changing, it is your responsibility to be sure that you are acting within the law.
The College network alerts the IT staff of users who use excessive bandwidth. This may be further investigated and your access may be terminated until a determination can be made about the activity taking place. In some situations computers are infected with viruses or trying to act as a server for distribution of illegal downloading.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs such as FrostWire, BearShare, BitTorrent clients, etc. are file sharing programs that facilitate downloading of files. Be extremely cautious if you have any of these programs installed on your computer. These programs contribute to the spread of computer viruses and also may result in identity theft. YOUR IDENTITY may be stolen by criminals using this software.
All campus computing falls under the guidelines of the Computer Fair Use Policy. Be sure to read and follow it.
What are the consequences of downloading illegal files from the Internet?
Potential lawsuits by recording companies and copyright holders such as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Your identity may be stolen.
Viruses or worms can be introduced on computers that use P2P programs.
Where can you find more information about copyright and music downloading
What legal sources are there for downloading files?
Please note that using a legal service such as those provided below DOES NOT PROTECT you from being prosecuted for illegal downloading or uploading with another program. Always review the terms and conditions of any site you use to download files.
A full text of the Computer Fair Use Policy is located in the Policy section of the College’s Intranet at http://portal.mtaloy.edu under Documents Forms and Policies or visit the Consumer Information page here. Violations of the Computer Fair Use Policy could result in disciplinary action.