Consequences of Sharing Copyrighted Content

Do you have thousands of dollars and many extra hours in the day to spend when you get sued for copyright violation? One of the biggest risks you take when you use Peer-to-Peer file sharing software is getting caught and sued by the copyright owner. Over 100 UCSD students have been sued for copyright violations, some for the first time they shared a copyrighted file. UCSD received over 400 copyright violation notices last school year. Students can get advice from Student Legal Services, but are responsible for all of the legal costs (did we mention the thousands of dollars?) and penalties. What you think is free may end up costing you thousands of dollars.

If UCSD receives a copyright violation notice for a computer registered to you, we will respond in the following way:

  1. The first notice is a warning, but your connection is blocked temporarily in case your computer has been compromised and to prevent you from getting more copyright violations. Judicial Affairs is notified. You are required to set up an appointment with ResNet to talk about Peer-to-Peer file sharing networks, the risks of illegal file sharing and how you can prevent getting another notice. You are required to respond to the warning message within 3 days of your appointment. If there is no response, your network connection is blocked until you respond.
  2. A second notice of illegal distribution of copyrighted material will prompt ACMS (Academic Computing and Media Services) to refer your case to Judicial Affairs and your college Dean. This goes on your school record. Your college Dean will determine when you regain your connection and what disciplinary action is to be taken. The following are examples of what students experienced:
    • Community service
    • Writing an essay that you will submit to your college Dean
    • Enrollment in a three hour ethics class
    • In extreme cases, expulsion from UCSD
    You will be required to meet with ResNet again as well as meet with the ACMS Manager. Your connection will be blocked until you have met with ResNet.
  3. A third notice of illegal distribution of copyrighted material will result in your network privileges being permanently revoked and a second referral to Judicial Affairs.