SUBJECT:

Illegal File Sharing and Copyright Violations

If you are trying to get songs, movies, anime, software, or other copyrighted content for free using peer-to-peer software, such as uTorrent, Popcorn Time, FrostWire, Transmission, or Vuze, BEWARE: the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including peer-to-peer file sharing, is illegal and may put you at risk for civil and criminal liabilities. Copyright agencies continue to send UC San Diego hundreds of cease and desist notices regarding the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted content, mostly through peer-to-peer programs such as BitTorrent.

Each of these notices carries the potential for a lawsuit and penalties in the thousands of dollars.

Copyright agencies actively monitor activity from all public UC San Diego networks, including UCSD-PROTECTED, ResNet, UCSD-GUEST, Eduroam, and the VPN.

In addition, the use of certain peer-to-peer services and illegitimate streaming websites can expose you to security vulnerabilities, including malware, viruses, and identity theft.

UC San Diego takes copyright violations seriously. Students who receive a notice have their devices blocked temporarily and must attend a presentation on file sharing and copyright law. Repeat violations result in disciplinary sanctions imposed by the college Dean’s office, which may include fines of $150 - $300. Sanctions for staff and faculty are determined by their department.

For the latest information on copyright law, the University's policies regarding file sharing, the risks outlined above, and legal alternatives visit http://p2p.ucsd.edu

Jeff Henry Director Academic Computing and Media Services