Columbia Will Restrict Illegal Downloading On-Campus

In compliance with federal law, Columbia has begun monitoring Internet traffic across its network to identify peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing activity. The college will locate and disable Internet access for computers and users downloading content illegally. Internet access will be restored when the student agrees to abide by Columbia's Network and Computer Use Policy.

Columbia is taking these steps for a number of reasons:

1. Failure to do so puts the college in jeopardy of losing some or all of its federal financial aid funding
2. The music industry (RIAA) and movie industry (MPAA) have filed over 1,200 pieces of litigation against college students using college and university networks to download content illegally.
3. The RIAA and MPAA are also monitoring downloading activity at Columbia (and other colleges and universities), and will notify and request action on any illegal activity they detect.
4. Legal actions taken by the RIAA and MPAA leave students at risk of a lawsuit, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to five years in jail.
5. P2P file sharing activity exposes the college's network to viruses, spyware, and other forms of attack.
6. P2P file sharing activity also consumes an inordinate amount of Columbia's bandwidth, slowing the Internet connection for all users.

FAQs

Q: What happens after a user's Internet access has been disabled?

A: When attempting to download or upload a file illegally, students will see a screen that notifies them of the violation. At this point, Internet access will be suspended and users will see a screen asking them to agree to comply with the Network and Computer Usage Policy. Once the user agrees, he or she will regain Internet access within 15 minutes.

If students continue to violate these policies, they will lose Internet access through the college network and need to meet with a representative from the Dean of Students' office to resolve the matter.

Q: I'm only downloading and sharing a couple of songs and movies here and there. Will I still get in trouble?

A: Yes. Illegal is illegal. Even a single illegal download will trigger Columbia's traffic monitoring system.

Q: What if my file sharing is legal and I get locked out anyway?

A: A signature embedded in copyrighted material triggers a flag in the software that oversees legal file sharing when illegal downloading occurs. We do allow file sharing on our network, but we do not allow sharing of copyrighted materials.

If you are sharing files legally and you get locked out, you should contact User Support at 312.369.7001 or email usersupport@colum.edu. Inform them you have been locked out and give them your OASIS ID. If User Support verifies that the file sharing was legal, your account will be unlocked.

Q: When is it considered illegal ... as opposed to watching or listening to content on sites like YouTube, Last FM, and Hulu?

A: If the song or show is something that you would typically have to pay for and you download it without paying, you are stealing.

Q: What if I’m using my personal computer?

A: If your personal computer is connected to the Columbia College Chicago network and you download a file without paying, you are still liable. Illegal downloading that takes place on a personally owned computer, if it occurs while that computer is connected to Columbia College's network, is still governed by the Acceptable Use Policy.

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