File Sharing

I received the anti-piracy warning webpage but it doesn’t tell me what I was sharing or downloading. Why is this?

Most likely you are using a P2P client that encrypts the data that it is being shared or downloaded making it more difficult to detect the actual file names of the content being shared. Use of an encrypted P2P client is not allowed, under any circumstances, on the colleges’ network and...

What are the consequences if I am discovered sharing illegal content on CWI’s network?

On first warning, your computer’s web browser will be redirected to an Anti-Piracy warning page informing you of the violation. On the warning page you will be able to see links to how to obtain music, movies, TV shows, etc. legally. You must click on the “I will comply” button...

What are the penalties if CWI doesn’t comply with the DMCA and HEOA?

DMCA:

Noncompliance with the DMCA could cause the institution to lose its protection under the DMCA Safe Harbor provision for internet service providers and subject the college to significant monetary fines and potential legal action.

HEOA:...

What else may happen if I am found to be sharing copyrighted content?

Violating the rights of a copyright owner can result in fines in the form of settlements or statutory damages. The courts determine the fines associated with copyright infringement, and fines can range from $200 per violation to $150,000 per violation. In addition to the statutory damages, if...

What is an online service provider?

An online service provider (OSP) is an entity which offers the transmission, routing, or providing of connections for digital online communications. In simple terms, an OSP is a provider of online services or network access. College of Western Idaho is considered an OSP.

What is copyright infringement?

Copyright infringement occurs when you download or share copyrighted materials —including music, movies, games, and software —from the Internet without consent from the author.

What is CWI required to do under the DMCA and HEOA?

Under the DMCA all Internet Service Providers aka Online Service Providers are required to:

  1. Register a designated agent with the U.S. Copyright Office to receive notification of claims of copyright infringement.
  2. Promptly respond to any properly formatted
  3. ...

What is fair use of copyrighted materials?

Fair use is a provision of U.S. copyright law which defines the legal but limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the owner. Acceptable forms of fair use are for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship and...

What is file sharing?

File sharing is when you share (download or upload) electronic data files over a network connection, whether the network is secure or unsecure, public or private. File sharing is not illegal if you have permission from the copyright owner to share the files. It is illegal if you share...

What is P2P software?

Peer-to-peer (P2P) software allows “peers” (individual computer systems) to connect to each other over  the internet to share files. Examples of mainstream P2P software programs include BitTorrent, Limewire, Ares and AresWarez, Kazaa, Azureus, DC++ and Morpheus.

What is the Electronic Technology Usage Policy?

The Electronic Technology Usage Policy identifies the standards of use that all users (Faculty, Staff, Students and Guests) must agree to before using the shared computing resources of College of Western Idaho.

What is the MPAA?

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is a trade association of the American motion picture, home video and television industries. The MPAA serves as an advocate for strong protection of the creative works produced and distributed by the industry and...