---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Dean of Students Robert J. Naples & Associate Vice Chancellor Jim Davi < ucladmca@ucla.edu> Date: Mar 17, 2006 6:30 PM Subject: Illegal File Sharing of Copyrighted Material; and Legal Alternatives To: UCLA Students UCLA Memorandum Date: March 17, 2006 To: All UCLA Students From: Robert J. Naples, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Jim Davis, Associate Vice Chancellor, Information Technology Re: Illegal file sharing of copyrighted material; and legal alternatives We are writing to remind all UCLA students of the serious personal risks involved with illegal file sharing: uploading or downloading copyrighted music, movies, television shows, games, software or other digital materials to which one does not have legal access. We are also pleased to announce new legal online entertainment service alternatives for the campus community set to launch this spring quarter. Regardless of where it occurs - on the global Internet, UCLA's local area network in residence halls, wireless areas throughout the campus, or the national research and education Internet2 network - the trading of copyrighted materials without permission from the copyright holders is prohibited by federal law.Ê Once identified, there is little the University can do to protect individuals accused of such actions.Ê Last summer, five UCLA students learned this firsthand when they were sued for illegal file sharing by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).Ê Settlement with the RIAA has typically cost an individual $3,000-$4,000.Ê One of these students shared her experience with the Daily Bruin:Ê http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?id=34426. Fortunately, UCLA students have demonstrated a growing awareness of these risks, which include University disciplinary action for violation of the Student Conduct Code.Ê In compliance with federal law, UCLA takes immediate action when notified by copyright holders such as the RIAA and MPAA of alleged infringement on the campus network. UCLA is also pleased to announce the launch of low-cost online music and video entertainment services to the campus community this spring, bringing in three vendors - iTunes, CDigix, and Mindawn - selected with input from students, faculty and staff.Ê We encourage you to explore these legal alternatives as an ideal means of acquiring digital entertainment while avoiding the risks, viruses and malware associated with illegal file sharing.Ê For an introduction to this program, see the Daily Bruin online: http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?ID=35633 .ÊÊVisit http://www.getlegal.ucla.edu for complete details. If you have any questions about these issues or the applicable Student Conduct Code ( http://www.deanofstudents.ucla.edu/studentconductcode.pdf), please contact Assistant Dean of Students Kenn Heller at kheller@saonet.ucla.edu or at (310) 206-8817. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.