Copyright and file-sharing have become big issues on college campuses everywhere. This mainly
(but not exclusively) concerns use of peer-2-peer software to download and upload copyrighted
music, movies and software.  There are several free services that allow you to download music LEGALLY .

Here is a simple way of thinking about copyright:

Copyright law applies to all intellectual works (including articles, software, html code, computer graphics, sound recordings, movies, web pages, etc...). If you are the author/creator, you are the copyright owner. ONLY the copyright owner has the right to reproduce, distribute, perform or display their work. This means that if you can see it, hear it, and /or touch it, it may be protected. So if you weren't the author/creator, you don't have the right to share it, modify it or download it to your computer. Sharing copyrighted material without the owner's permission violates copyright law, with or without any money changing hands.

So, if you didn't write it, you don't own it.
If you don't own it, you can't share it, upload it or download it.

If your computer is suspected of violating copyright law, the official mitigation process is as follows:

1st offense - You must come to STS with your computer for education and removal of any offending materials.  

2nd offense - You will have your network access immediately revoked, and you must come to STS for formal reprimand and removal of any offending material.

3rd offense - You will be referred to Wash U Judicial Authorities.  If you are referred to Judicial Authorities, you may:

• Receive a fine
• Be suspended or expelled from the University
• Be jailed for the offense
• Establish a criminal record (and on future job applications when ask if you have any criminal convictions, you would have to answer "yes")

Educause and the American Council on Education (ACE) encourge the viewing of a video called,
'Campus Downloading' from the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA). Feel free to watch this short video by clicking here .

Additional information can be found on the Washington University Resources on Copyright Law website here.