What you need to know about File Sharing
Points to Regard
- Nearly every work is copyrighted.
- “Everyone does it” is a fallacy.
- Copyright infringement is not the only threat from file sharing.
- Assume files on p2p (peer-to-peer) networks are infected with spyware.
- You are responsible for your actions.
File Sharing discussions always lead to the topics of copyright and copyright infringement. This entanglement results
from the relative ease in which copyright infringement can occur over file sharing mediums. It is important to realize
that even a good-natured violation is still a violation, and it can have consequences.
If you are unsure of license restrictions on a song, program, movie, etc., assume that the item in question is regulated
– assume that nothing is free. Further, assume that you do not have the right to redistribute the item. While these
assumptions are not always true, they are safe assumptions when trying to avoid legal troubles. However legal issues
aren’t the only issues to be aware of when file sharing.
File sharing can prove to be a threat to your personal sensitive information and your computer’s health. Typically p2p
file sharing programs come bundled with spyware (which can track your actions and report them back to a third party),
or the files obtained with the p2p programs will contain spyware. This information is typically used for marketing research,
but it could be used for spamming, identity theft, etc. Adware is another common component of software in
p2p environments. Adware can prove to be frustrating and very distracting by popping up advertisements on your
computer. Too much adware and/or spyware on your system can make it practically unusable. Lastly, it is not uncommon
to find viruses in files available on p2p networks.
Consequences of Copyright Violation
- Legal action taken against you by the copyright holder.
- Removal of University of Iowa Internet privileges or other disciplinary action.
Suggestions
Utilize a pay-service such as www.rhapsody.com or www.itunes.com to get your music. The quality of
these services is typically much higher than any free p2p network. The songs are good quality, and the down
loads are fast.
If you must use a p2p application, check all files for viruses before opening and do not share out any files.
Resources
- http://fairuse.stanford.edu/primary_materials/legislation/dmca.html (DMCA information)
- http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf (DMCA information)
- http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/security/spyware/default.htm (Spyware information)
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