Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing is a way of exchanging or transferring files over the internet. File sharing involves using technology that allows internet users to share files that are housed on their individual computers.
While P2P file sharing is fairly generic technology and can be used for legitimate reasons, it is overwhelmingly used for illegally distributing copyrighted works such as music or movie files, software, TV programs, books and images without permission from the copyright owner.
If you are using P2P file sharing, you need to be aware that such networks are notorious for distributing malware: viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and adware. You can never trust a file downloaded via P2P. In most cases, you will download a malicious file tagging along with the file you intended to obtain.
The majority of the files shared via internet are copyrighted works. Moreover, transferring of a file from one person to another results in a reproduction, a distribution, and potentially a public performance of copyrighted material. Using P2P file sharing technology inevitably leads to violating copyright laws.
Marshall University, faculty, students and staff are required to follow Copyright and Intellectual Property policies and adhere to the guidelines for producing, using and sharing creative or educational works. By observing these policies, you will avoid the loss of network services and the unnecessary consumption of University technology resources and staff time (e.g. the Office of Information Technology conservatively estimates that each violation/complaint received consumes 1 to 2 hours of staff time to research and resolve).
The openness of P2P technologies can also lead to data breaches when unprotected systems leave information accessible to anyone connected to the peer-to-peer networks. e School News recently reported that Federal Trade Commission warned schools, colleges, and businesses to be aware of this threat in the article “Schools fall victim to P2P security breaches.”
Please visit links below for the full text of MU Copyright policies and procedures which are applied to deter the use of illegal file-sharing through the University network.
Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Marshall University Comprehensive Copyright Procedure
Copyright Infringement Complaints Procedure
Copyright Education