Purpose
Lindenwood University does not prohibit the lawful use of peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing technologies. However, using P2P file sharing applications to obtain copyrighted materials (e.g., music, videos, textual material, etc.) without the permission of the owner or distributor is strictly prohibited by the University. Running P2P file sharing applications on University computers, systems, and/or networks also introduces the risk of inadvertently sharing files containing sensitive University data. The purpose of this policy is to prevent the use of P2P file sharing applications in order to illegally obtain copyrighted or licensed material.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees and other individuals using University information technology resources or data and responds to requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 that requires universities to develop plans that effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials.
Policy
Use of Peer-to-Peer file sharing applications for the unauthorized acquisition or distribution of copyrighted or licensed material is prohibited on any university computer or university network. Furthermore, P2P file sharing applications commonly used for these illicit purposes may not be installed on any university computer, and technological deterrents will be used to block their use on the university network.
Any violation of this policy may result in the suspension of access to network resources or other appropriate university discipline, up to and including termination of employment and/or expulsion. In addition, the unauthorized acquisition or distribution of copyrighted or licensed material, including unauthorized peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject individuals to civil and criminal liabilities.
Lindenwood University shall annually inform students of this policy and associated procedures, consistent with the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.
Definitions
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a Federal copyright law for the digital environment establishing how alleged copyright infringements are to be handled and establishing liability limitations for “online service providers.”
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) is a network environment where participants share their resources (such as files, disk storage, or processing power) directly with their peers without having to through an intermediary network host or server.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing Applications are programs or services that use P2P technology to share music, movies, software, or other digitally stored files.
University Computer is any computer owned, provided by, or otherwise considered to the property of Lindenwood.
University Network is any part of data network physically located on Lindenwood’s campus. This includes wireless networks and the network serving academic and athletic buildings, student residence halls, and other student housing.
Responsibilities
Chief Information Officer (CIO) will determine the set of prohibited P2P file sharing applications and be responsible for technology-based deterrents used to enforce this policy.
Provost (or designee) is responsible for notifying all students about this policy at the beginning of every term.
Procedures
The CIO will maintain and publish a list of P2P file sharing applications that are commonly used for unauthorized acquisition or distribution of copyrighted or licensed material. These applications cannot be installed on University computers and will be blocked on the University Network using appropriate technology-based deterrents.
A University website will provide information about alternatives to illegal file sharing and about programs to combat unauthorized acquisitions or distributions of copyrighted or licensed material.
Questions and Exceptions
The CIO is responsible for this policy and must approve any exception to this policy. Questions relating to this policy and the list of prohibited P2P file sharing applications should be directed to the CIO. All disputes over content of the solicitation material and/or policies shall be decided by the director of Student Involvement or CIO.
