Week 2: Copyright Infringement
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) protects content owners in cases when their content is illegally downloaded, illegally shared, or physically stolen (bootlegged). When it comes to respecting copyrights, we all must act honorably, responsibly, and legally.
Copyright Intro Heading link
When someone violates the DMCA, whether on purpose or by accident, they are risking large fines and possible incarceration. Content owners have been known to seek punitive damages to recover from the potential financial loss and deter violators from engaging in copyright infringement activity.
Don’t risk it all just to get the latest blockbuster movie for free, because the house always wins, and in the end, it will cost a lot more than it’s worth!
The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires all colleges and universities to offer legal alternatives to unauthorized downloading. The link below includes legitimate online services that are approved by the AAP, MPAA, and RIAA.
Note: Several of the sites listed in the link below provide some or all content at no charge, as they are funded by advertising or represent artists who consent to distribute their material for free. Just because the content is free doesn’t mean it’s illegal. On the other hand, you may find websites offering to sell content not on the list below. Remember, just because the content is not free, doesn’t mean it’s legal.
Educause’s Legal Sources of Online Content:
www.educause.edu/focus-areas-and-initiatives/policy-and-security/educause-policy/legal-sources-onli
When in doubt, error on the side of caution, or consult us by emailing security@uic.edu.