Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing

The university, via network control operations at CCIT, has taken an active role in monitoring campus use of peer-to-peer file sharing networks, such as Gnutella, KaZaA, Limewire, etc. While these types of programs are not inherently illegal, there is great concern that their primary use may be the illegal distribution of copyrighted material. There have been several lawsuits against universities and against individuals citing the use of these programs in high levels of sharing copyrighted material - most commonly pirated music, movies, and software.

CCIT periodically scans for activity specific to these peer-to-peer clients on the university network and informs network managers of high levels of peer-to-peer traffic. If a legitimate purpose for the traffic cannot be determined, DATS will uninstall the software.

Remember the basic tenet that if you didn't pay for it, it's probably not legal for you to download a copy of a song, software installer, or movie. Also remember that, with music, even if the piece of music is in the public domain, the performance itself is generally copyrighted.

Please be aware that many of these applications also install invisible programs, often called "spyware", that send information about your online activity to their creators, which may be a cause of higher amounts of spam email and pop-up ads.

Relevant Policies and Information:

• Using P2P FIle Sharing Programs, Copyright Information
• CCIT Computer and Network Usage Policy

(See also the Important Links page.)