Using the University of Mississippi’s computer network to download or to share copyrighted materials, including music, games, and videos, is strictly prohibited and illegal. The U.S. Copyright Act and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 prohibit the distribution or sharing of copyrighted works without the copyright owner’s permission. Copyright law provides for “statutory damages” for each infringed work in amounts that typically range from a minimum of $750 for each work to a maximum of $30,000 per work, with a potential increase to $150,000 for each infringed work in cases of willful infringement.
Copying, installing, or using copyrighted work without permission is also against the University of Mississippi’s Appropriate Use Policy. Additionally, the Appropriate Use Policy advises that individuals are entitled only to one person’s fair share of University resources, without written permission to the contrary. The monopolizing of network space is another reason why improper peer-to-peer file sharing violates the University’s policy. The University’s Appropriate policy should be reviewed for the possible disciplinary actions that may be taken against the user.
Helpful Third Party Links
RCAA Guide- Piracy and the Law