Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Policy

The 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act requires the College to assist in the effort to combat copyright infringement by taking steps to prevent the use of College technology for illegal peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. Peer-to-peer file sharing is the process of sharing files (e.g. e-textbooks, music, movies, software, etc.) from one person to another using technology.

The College supports appropriate file sharing that facilitates legitimate information dissemination and academic collaboration.

However, the College prohibits the use of College systems or technology to distribute, download, upload, stream, scan, store or otherwise share material when:

• The content is copyrighted but distribution to the user has not been authorized by the copyright owner.
• The intended use under the relevant circumstances is specified as illegal by any federal or state law, statute, regulation, proclamation, order, or decree;
• The material is considered by the College to be protected information, and the user is not authorized to access that information for the purpose intended.

It is incumbent upon students and College personnel to be aware of what constitutes copyright infringement and how peer-to-peer file sharing may violate this policy.

Individuals who engage in illegal peer-to-peer file sharing can face severe civil and criminal penalties as well as loss of access to College technology.

This policy summary omits some policy details. Please refer to full policy ADM-10.02-Peer-to-Peer-File-Sharing.