1. ILLEGAL DOWNLOADING
& COPYRIGHT
It is against federal law to download protected music and videos
from the Internet without permission from the copyright holder.
Illegal downloading is also a violation of HVCC’s Computer Use
Policy and such infringements can result in loss of network
privileges.
Rule of thumb: if you aren’t paying for your downloads,
you are probably in violation. We take this very seriously at
Hudson Valley. What follows are true stories, and some tools to
keep you in the clear.
2. April 2014 – HVCC student is detected by copyright holder to be illegally
downloading a movie using the HVCC network. Student is REQUIRED to settle
for $600 or face legal action. Student knew he had engaged in illegal activity
and paid the $600.
August 2014 – Two more HVCC students have engaged in illegal
downloading. Settlement amounts vary between $250-$500. That’s a lot of
books, or rent, or gas. You also may be slapped with a criminal record. Why
do this when there are legal alternatives?
The college is not liable for this activity. HVCC has a software program
in place which will WARN network users that they are about to illegally
download protected material. These network users ignored that
warning. The college will not defend you in this legal action.
Don’t be our next case.
For more information visit the copyright subject guide or contact
copyright officer Valerie Waldin in MRV 141, 518.629.7319.
