Frequently Asked Questions

Home , File sharing, FrostWire, Popcorn Time, Share (P2P)

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT? BUT I BOUGHT IT. WHY CAN’T I SHARE IT? WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID COPYRIGHT Copyright refers to the legal rights creators have There is a difference between using and distributing INFRINGEMENT? over the use, distribution, and reproduction of copyrighted materials. Purchasing songs, movies, or Download content from legitimate sources and do original work (music, movies, software, etc.). software from legitimate sources does not give you the not share copyrighted materials online. Uninstall Copyright infringement is the unlawful use of any right to share these materials over the Internet or make P2P applications (e.g., Popcorn Time, BitTorrent, material protected under copyright law. Common copies for others. When you purchase a Peer-to-Peer Vuze), which may be sharing your files without violations include downloading ‘pirated’ copies of (P2P) program (e.g., Frostwire, BitTorrent, Vuze), you your knowledge. Do not share your NetID and copyrighted materials or sharing files not intended only buy the software, not any files you download or password with anyone. Keep your computer for you to distribute. share using this software. up-to-date with the latest security patches and anti-virus software. HOW DO I KNOW IT’S COPYRIGHTED? DOES UMASS IT MONITOR MY INTERNET Assume all materials are copyright-protected CONNECTION? HOW CAN I LEGALLY DOWNLOAD CONTENT? unless you created them or you have received the No. We do not monitor the contents of your computer Services like Amazon, iTunes, and eMusic offer author’s explicit permission to distribute them. All or issue copyright complaints. However, if the licensed downloads of movies and music. Other materials are generally copyrighted, unless they Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) or options include streaming services, such as Netflix are your own, a license allows for distribution, other copyright holder files a complaint against you, or Pandora, and ebook repositories, such as or you have explicit permission to do so. Under we are required to disable your Internet connection Feedbooks or Project Gutenberg. federal law, copyright protection lasts for the life and notify you of the alleged violation. I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS. WHERE CAN I GO? of the author plus 70 years for any work published WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE USED MY COMPUTER TO IT Help Center after 1978. DOWNLOAD COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS? • Fill out an online help request form or chat with WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF You are responsible for all activities originating from a consultant at www.it.umass.edu/support devices using your NetID. Do not share your NetID and COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT? • Call 413-545-TECH or 413-545-9400 If you are suspected of a copyright violation, you password with anyone and do not set up eduroam on • Stop by A109 LGRC Lowrise (M-F, 8:30 a.m. - face disciplinary action from the university (your shared devices or devices you do not own. 5:00 p.m.) or visit the Learning Commons, network connection will be disabled and your I LIVE OFF-CAMPUS. AM I STILL AT RISK? Lower Level, W.E.B. Du Bois Library name may be forwarded to the Dean of Students Yes. If your computer is identified as distributing Student Legal Services Office) and possiblesettlement fees (the minimum copyrighted materials on a different network, your Request an appointment at 413-545-1995 or stop damage is $750 per file; out-of-court settlements Internet Service Provider (ISP) will notify you directly. by the Campus Center, room 922. are over $3,000) may be sought from outside agents. Remember: even one unauthorized download or upload can put you at risk for a Developed and maintained lawsuit. by UMass Amherst IT LEGAL ALTERNATIVES TO P2P SOFTWARE TERMS COPYRIGHT & YOU SHOULD KNOW FILE-SHARING

Netflix Movies & TV DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT (DMCA) FREQUENTLY www.netflix.com The DMCA limits an Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) liability if the ISP notifies the alleged infringer and ASKED Apple iTunes Store suspends access to illegal copies of copyrighted materials. As an ISP, UMass Amherst IT is required to www.itunes.com comply with the DMCA. QUESTIONS

Hulu Movies & TV PEER-TO-PEER (P2P) SOFTWARE www.hulu.com P2P refers to file-sharing applications (e.g., Frostwire, BitTorrent, Vuze) that enable users to share content Pandora with other computers in the same P2P network. You www.pandora.com are responsible for all content shared or downloaded by the P2P software on your computer. Feedbooks (eBooks) Disclaimer: This guide is intended for reference www.feedbooks.com only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have received a copyright violation notice, More options.... we recommend that you seek legal assistance www.educause.edu/legalcontent as soon as possible.