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PEER TO PEER REGULATIONS |
Universities and colleges share the same struggle in keeping their ResNet networks operating with efficiency and within legal boundaries. Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing applications grossly affect both the efficiency of network services and are often used in violation of Copyright law.
While there are some legitimate academic, research, and personal uses of P2P file sharing, the University recognizes that most P2P activity is for non-educational purposes. Activities such as copying music and video files for personal enjoyment, often violate Copyright law and/or use a disproportionate amount of network resources. Programs such as KaZaA, Gnutella, LimeWire, BitTorrent, Ares, and others, configure computers to serve the files that are downloaded - putting tremendous strain on network resources. The risks associated with P2P activities have lead to a policy that prohibits the use of P2P applications on the SVSU campus network. [Removal Instructions]
File Sharing Risks
Copyright
While there are legal and legitimate uses of P2P applications, many people use P2P to distribute copyrighted files without the permission of the copyright owner. Such use is illegal and positions the user to personal liability in copyright infringement claims, and is in direct violation of the University Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
Bandwidth and Network Resources
The University provides shared computing and network resources for faculty, staff, and students. P2P applications are typically used for personal enjoyment, yet they create a heavy burden on those shared resources. The result is that other legitimate, educational network activities are adversely affected.
Security
Installation of some P2P applications also carry with it spyware programs. P2P apps can also copy files from unknown sources, which make the user’s computer vulnerable to viruses and to hacking (putting the user’s personal data at risk). In most cases, additional network bandwidth is consumed by hidden spyware/viruses/bots.
Enforcement
Failure to comply with this notification as specified will result in the immediate disconnection from the University network.
Acceptable Use Policy
The Peer-to-Peer file sharing regulation is stated in item #6 under the General Regulations of the INTERNET, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTING RESOURCES ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Music Downloading Alternative
SVSU has entered into an agreement with ruckus.com to provide students and staff with the opportunity to legally download music and movies for free or a low cost.
This service is now ready for use. For all the details click on Ruckus.