FILE SHARING
Jump to: File Sharing | Dangers of Peer-to-Peer
As a student of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, it is expected that you have read and understood and will abide by all policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and laws that govern UT’s Information System Security.
Often, if you use a file-sharing software (BearShare, LimeWire, Bitorrent, etc.) the automatic installation will turn your computer into a server, without your knowledge, much less your permission. Your computer then becomes a host for others, anywhere, all using network bandwidth, reducing the speed and efficiency of that network. Heavy use of bandwidth is typical in illegal downloads, so that is where enforcement agencies focus their searches for those violating copyrights.
FILE SHARING
File sharing is a general term for sharing digital files electronically. These files could be music or other audio recordings, movies, television shows, games or other computer software, or any other type of digital file.
Sharing any file of a work that you did not create yourself as an original work and is not in the public domain, and for which you do not have permission to share, is a crime and can have serious consequences. Sharing includes everything from sharing a multitude of files over peer-to-peer networks to copying a single work for a friend.
WHAT IS PEER-TO-PEER?
Peer-to-peer (P2P) is a method of file sharing that allows normal users ("peers") to connect directly to other users to share files. This can be contrasted with a server-based distribution method, where users connect to a server (such as a web server via their web browser) to download files. P2P typically requires a client - a software program installed on their personal computer - to share files. Examples of clients are Kazaa, Limewire, BearShare, etc. and the various BitTorrent clients. These clients connect to other clients over the Internet and allow users to send files that they have marked as "shared" to other users, as well as to download copies of files that other users have shared.
Because of its decentralized and unregulated nature, peer-to-peer file sharing is often used to share copyrighted works that those sharing the works do not have the right to share. However, it is important to remember that peer-to-peer is not anonymous, not secret, and can be unsafe.
BLOCKING PEER-TO-PEER
In 2007 the University of Tennessee received several letters from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) stating their intent to bring lawsuits against students they believe have potentially infringed copyright. On April 29, 2008 the Tennessee government passed a bill to amend Tennessee Code, Title 49, Chapter 7, relative to copyright infringement. See Tennessee Senate Bill 3974 for the text of the bill.
Part of this bill requires the University to "reasonably attempt to prevent the infringement of copyrighted works over the institution's computer and network resources, if such institution receives fifty (50) or more legally valid notices of infringement as prescribed by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 within the preceding year."
To comply with this bill, and assist students (although it might be unintentional) from participating in P2P file sharing, the University began blocking Peer-to-Peer (P2P) traffic on the University network in August 1st, 2008. After this date, all peer-to-peer clients are blocked from running on the UT Knoxville network. Blocked P2P Applications.
DANGERS OF PEER-TO-PEER
PERSONAL DANGERS
Many peer-to-peer software applications are dangerous to simply install on your computer. They often come bundled with spyware and other programs that can compromise your computer. By installing these programs, you risk damaging your computer and the files on it (your pictures, your papers, etc.), identity theft, and the possibility that your computer could be used to send spam and attack other computers.
DISCIPLINARY AND LEGAL DANGERS
Sharing copyrighted works, as is easily done with P2P programs, is in violation of the UT Acceptable Use Policy. Violators are subject to disciplinary action. Additionally, sharing copyrighted works without the copyright owner's permission is also against US laws and international treaties. Violators can be subject to lawsuits and in some cases, criminal prosecution. Ramifications of all can be found at the following website.
By monitoring consumption of bandwidth, it is easy to tell who is downloading files. Several agencies, including the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) attempt to deter those who are illegally downloading music and movies from the internet. Typically they request user information from the Internet Service Provider. They then may go after individual offenders.
If you are having problems accessing the wireless network or just have some questions on how to get started, contact
OIT HelpDesk at 974-9900
or visit the OIT Service Center, located in the Commons South, second floor, Hodges Library.
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