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   from the issue of March 1, 2007

     
 
Download ranking prompts reminder

 BY KELLY BARTLING, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

It's always a good time to remind students, faculty and staff of the consequences of illegal file-sharing. But when the national media are listing UNL as a top offender, that has a way of prompting a reminder.

News accounts last week from an Associated Press story highlighted a continuing issue with the use of the UNL computer network in illegal behaviors involving allegedly downloading copyrighted music, videos, games and software.

Available at http://www.unl.edu/is/copyright.shtml, is an outline of personal responsibilities and responses relating to the UNL network.

The trade group for the largest music labels, the Recording Industry Association of America, identified at the request of The Associated Press last week the 25 universities that received the most copyright complaints it sent so far this school year. UNL was in the top 5 on the list, the AP reported.

Kent Hendrickson, associate vice chancellor of Information Services, said IS reacts to the complaints when received by identifying the computer targeted by the complaint, identifying its user if possible, and notifying the user by e-mail. If the university receives a second complaint, the individual receives a second warning, and a response is required by residence-hall residents or the network access is disabled. A third infraction means network access is disabled immediately, Student Affairs is notified and potential civil action may proceed. The so-called "three strikes" policy has worked well, with nearly all problems solved after the initial e-mail, he said. UNL's procedure is similar to those used by most colleges and universities across the country.

Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner. Many popular peer-to-peer networks allow users to share digital music, movies and games with other computer users.

Hendrickson said it's a difficult line in monitoring individuals' use of computer networks and privacy rights. "We really must rely on what we hear from the music, movie and software industry. But honestly we really doubt the figure that was cited in the media. Although the number of complaints received has increased over the past few months, not to the extent claimed by the recording industry," he said.

"We're trying to be more proactive and make this issue very visible to students. Last summer we met with the national recording organizations and we offered to increase the visibility of the information that we are providing students on the risks of doing this. Students need to realize that the university isn't liable, the individual is liable. Our Web site is more visible and does a good job explaining what copyright infringement is, as well as the consequences. There's no excuse for not seeing it."


GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 1

NEWS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 1

Treasure from the Attic (and a few storage closets)
Download ranking prompts reminder
Forum to explore Nebraskans' beliefs on immigration
Real Nebraska fuels Burge's anchor run
Scientists report breakthrough in spin electronics
Women's Week activities begin March 2

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