Avoid Illegal Downloading and File Sharing 

Illegal Downloading Puts You at Risk

Though peer-to-peer (P2P) software and similar programs are not illegal, they put your system and the NU Network at risk.

Free P2P software is often packaged with spyware, adware, or Trojans, which can threaten your computer's security. In addition, the traffic generated by P2P file sharing of music and movies slows NU Network response time and detracts from the network resources available for academic and research uses.

Many of the files available on these networks are not authorized by the copyright holder to be downloaded and shared. These files are illegal. By law, the individual liability for copyright infringement resulting from illegal downloading and file sharing is $150,000 per infringement.

Be Wary of Subscriber Services and P2P Networks

Subscription services and P2P software providers are sometimes unclear about the terms and conditions of their products. You may be paying for ad-free searching, not the legal right to the materials you find in a search. Free P2P software is often packaged with spyware, adware, or Trojans, which can threaten your computer's security.

For your own protection, assume that you do not have permission to download or distribute files or materials found on the Internet, unless the permission is stated in writing, such as in a license agreement. Even when you legally purchase copyrighted materials, such as software or music files, often you cannot distribute or share them, unless you have permission to do so.

Good Habits for Avoiding Illegal Downloading and File Sharing

• Read user agreements carefully.
• Ensure that your legal P2P software is not set to share the files you have on your computer.
• Check the Web sites of the musicians, record companies, or movie studios to see if they allow distribution of their materials on the Internet.
• When purchasing music, movies, games, software, or other materials, read the license carefully to learn if you have permission to convert materials to other formats for personal use.
• Don't share or distribute materials unless you have permission.

• Northwestern Copyright Clearinghouse Office
• Intellectual Property Primer from Northwestern Office of the General Counsel
• Motion Picture Association of America
• Electronic Frontier Foundation
• Recording Industry Association of America

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu